Moving from Riverside to Ontario, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Ontario costs between $40 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 20-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Ontario
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Ontario 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 Ontario, 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 | $778 - $2,628 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $372 - $1,121 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $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 Ontario?
It costs between $40 to $3,878 to move from Riverside to Ontario. The prices below break down your 20-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $467 - $3,878
- Moving containers: $124 - $1,487
- Rental trucks: $40 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $467 - $1,445 | $124 - $781 | $40 - $99 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $778 - $2,628 | $372 - $1,121 | $48 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $3,878 | $808 - $1,487 | $61 - $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 | $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 Ontario
At 20 miles, your Riverside to Ontario 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 Ontario. 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 Riverside to Ontario. 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 Ontario to Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Ontario
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Ontario
The cost of living in Riverside vs. Ontario 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 Ontario 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 | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $564,076 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $82,806 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Ontario are 14% 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 Ontario and Riverside are pretty similar, so your housing costs shouldn’t change much. This makes it easier for you to stick to your budget.
- Income in Ontario is 7% lower than in Riverside, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- If you’re relocating from Riverside to Ontario, 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 Ontario as it was in Riverside, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Ontario is the same as in Riverside, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Ontario and Riverside, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Riverside, you’ll need about $2,880 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Ontario.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Ontario
Before you move, check out how life in Ontario 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 | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 175,265 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 50.25 |
Ontario sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Ontario has roughly 45% fewer people than Riverside. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Riverside and Ontario supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Ontario and Riverside 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 Riverside and Ontario—with winter lows around 42°F and 43°F.
- Both Riverside and Ontario see similar yearly rainfall—Riverside averages 11 inches, while Ontario gets 16 inches.
- Both Riverside and Ontario receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Ontario shows a higher crime rate than Riverside, with index scores of 50.25 compared to 40.24.
Things to do in Ontario
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Ontario has plenty to offer:
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to Ontario?
Shipping furniture from Riverside to Ontario with a moving company typically costs between $333 and $1,202. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $778 to $2,628. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,317 and $3,878 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Ontario?
If you’re planning a move from Riverside to Ontario and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $115 and $830. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $372 to $1,121. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $808 to $1,487.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Ontario?
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 $38 and $92. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $48 and $124. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Riverside to Ontario, truck rentals usually range from $61 up to $149.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Ontario movers?
To make your move from Riverside to Ontario 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 Ontario?
The cheapest time of year to move to Ontario 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.
