Moving from Ontario to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Ontario to Riverside costs between $40 to $4,078 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 20-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Ontario to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Ontario to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Ontario to driving and unloading in Riverside, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 20 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $835 - $2,472 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $368 - $1,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $50 - $117 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Big Deahl's Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Ontario to Riverside?
It costs between $40 to $4,078 to move from Ontario to Riverside. The prices below break down your 20-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $448 - $4,078
- Moving containers: $123 - $1,597
- Rental trucks: $40 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $448 - $1,431 | $123 - $863 | $40 - $102 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $835 - $2,472 | $368 - $1,155 | $50 - $117 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $4,078 | $848 - $1,597 | $62 - $149 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Ontario to Riverside
At 20 miles, your Ontario to Riverside move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Ontario to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 20 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Ontario to Riverside. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Ontario guide.
Considerations when moving from Ontario to Riverside
Cost of living: Ontario vs. Riverside
The cost of living in Ontario vs. Riverside isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Riverside compares to what you’re used to in Ontario.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Ontario | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,619 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $564,076 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $82,806 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,793 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent in Riverside is about 12% cheaper than in Ontario. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Riverside and Ontario are pretty similar, so your housing costs shouldn’t change much. This makes it easier for you to stick to your budget.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Riverside, where average income is 7% higher than in Ontario — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- If you’re relocating from Ontario to Riverside, you’ll notice that day-to-day expenses are about equal. As long as your income doesn’t change, your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in Riverside as it was in Ontario, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is the same as in Ontario, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Riverside and Ontario, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Ontario, you’ll need about $3,120 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Ontario vs. Riverside
Before you move, check out how life in Riverside measures up to Ontario. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Ontario | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 50.25 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Riverside has a population roughly 81% higher than Ontario. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Ontario and Riverside supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Riverside and Ontario have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Ontario and Riverside—with winter lows around 43°F and 42°F.
- Both Ontario and Riverside see similar yearly rainfall—Ontario averages 16 inches, while Riverside gets 11 inches.
- Both Ontario and Riverside receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Riverside posts a lower crime rate than Ontario, with a crime index of 40.24 compared to Ontario’s 50.25.
Things to do in Riverside
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Riverside has plenty to offer:
Museums in Riverside
- March Field Air Museum
- Mission Inn Museum
- Riverside Art Museum
- Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
- Heritage House
Parks in Riverside
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Fairmount Park
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
- Ryan Bonaminio Park
- Hunter Park
Sports teams in Riverside
- California Baptist Lancers (College sports)
- UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)
- Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball
Universities in Riverside
- California Baptist University
- California Southern Law Schoo
- La Sierra University
- National University
- Riverside City College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Ontario to Riverside?
Shipping furniture from Ontario to Riverside with a moving company typically costs between $347 and $1,214. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $835 to $2,472. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,317 and $4,078 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Ontario to Riverside?
If you’re planning a move from Ontario to Riverside and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $122 and $830. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $368 to $1,155. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $848 to $1,597.
How much is a moving truck from Ontario to Riverside?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $37 and $94. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $50 and $117. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Ontario to Riverside, truck rentals usually range from $62 up to $149.
How far in advance should I book Ontario-to-Riverside movers?
To make your move from Ontario to Riverside as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside?
The cheapest time of year to move to Riverside is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
