Moving from Riverside to Irvine, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Irvine costs between $38 to $3,878 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 39-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Irvine
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Irvine are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Riverside to driving and unloading in Irvine, 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 39 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $770 - $2,602 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $391 - $1,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $124 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $75/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 Riverside to Irvine?
It costs between $38 to $3,878 to move from Riverside to Irvine. The prices below break down your 39-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $439 - $3,878
- Moving containers: $128 - $1,581
- Rental trucks: $38 - $158
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $439 - $1,418 | $128 - $822 | $38 - $100 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $770 - $2,602 | $391 - $1,155 | $49 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,251 - $3,878 | $768 - $1,581 | $66 - $158 |
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 | $393 - $3,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $262 - $1,048 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $66 - $262 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Riverside to Irvine
At 39 miles, your Riverside to Irvine 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 Riverside to Irvine. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 39 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside to Irvine. 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 Irvine to Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Irvine
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Irvine
The cost of living in Riverside vs. Irvine 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 Irvine compares to what you’re used to in Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $4,000 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $129,647 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Irvine are 74% higher than in Riverside, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Irvine are 106% higher than in Riverside, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Irvine, where average income is 46% higher than in Riverside — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 256% higher in Irvine compared to Riverside. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Irvine, plan for living expenses to be about 221% higher than in Riverside. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Irvine is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Irvine is 24% lower than in Riverside. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- With sales taxes 11% lower in Irvine than Riverside, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Riverside, you’ll need about $10,680 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Irvine.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Irvine
Before you move, check out how life in Irvine measures up to Riverside. 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.
| Riverside | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 307,670 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 31.01 |
Irvine sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Irvine and Riverside is about the same. When moving between cities of similar population size, the transition often feels smoother, but the real differences lie in culture, economy, layout, and cost of living, not just the number of people.
- During the last presidential election, both Riverside and Irvine supported the Democratic candidate.
- In Irvine, summer highs top out around 82°F, lower than Riverside’s 94°F. Relocating here means milder summers and a more relaxed pace outdoors.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Riverside and Irvine—with winter lows around 42°F and 46°F.
- Both Riverside and Irvine see similar yearly rainfall—Riverside averages 11 inches, while Irvine gets 13 inches.
- Both Riverside and Irvine receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Irvine posts a lower crime rate than Riverside, with a crime index of 31.01 compared to Riverside’s 40.24.
Things to do in Irvine
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Irvine has plenty to offer:
Museums in Irvine
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
- Museum of Woman
Parks in Irvine
- Orange County Great Park
- Adventure Playground
- William R. Mason Regional Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Sports teams in Irvine
- UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)
- Adult Basketball Leagues
- Adult Soccer Leagues
- Adult Softball Leagues
- Tennis League
Universities in Irvine
- University of California, Irvine
- California Southern University
- Concordia University
- Westcliff University
- Irvine Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to Irvine?
Shipping furniture from Riverside to Irvine with a moving company typically costs between $343 and $1,179. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $770 to $2,602. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,251 and $3,878 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Irvine?
If you’re planning a move from Riverside to Irvine and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $123 and $758. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $391 to $1,155. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $768 to $1,581.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Irvine?
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 $39 and $99. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $49 and $124. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Riverside to Irvine, truck rentals usually range from $66 up to $158.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Irvine movers?
To make your move from Riverside to Irvine 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 Irvine?
The cheapest time of year to move to Irvine 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.
