Moving from Riverside to San Bernardino, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to San Bernardino costs between $38 to $3,998 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 11-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to San Bernardino
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, 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 11 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $843 - $2,732 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $395 - $1,076 | 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 San Bernardino?
It costs between $38 to $3,998 to move from Riverside to San Bernardino. The prices below break down your 11-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $471 - $3,998
- Moving containers: $117 - $1,503
- Rental trucks: $38 - $149
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $471 - $1,349 | $117 - $847 | $38 - $96 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $843 - $2,732 | $395 - $1,076 | $48 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,251 - $3,998 | $848 - $1,503 | $64 - $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 San Bernardino
At 11 miles, your Riverside to San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 11 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside to San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino to Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to San Bernardino
Cost of living: Riverside vs. San Bernardino
When comparing the cost of living between Riverside and San Bernardino, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in San Bernardino stacks up against Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $381,380 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $63,988 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,054 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $4,469 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent in San Bernardino is about 15% cheaper than in Riverside, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in San Bernardino are 29% lower than in Riverside, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in San Bernardino is 28% lower than in Riverside. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in San Bernardino is 20% lower than in Riverside. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in San Bernardino is 20% lower than in Riverside. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in San Bernardino is 49% higher than in Riverside. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in San Bernardino and Riverside, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,400 in San Bernardino to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Riverside.
How life is different in Riverside vs. San Bernardino
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in San Bernardino vs. Riverside. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Riverside | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 222,101 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 95ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 73.87 |
San Bernardino sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that San Bernardino has about 30% fewer people than Riverside. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Riverside and San Bernardino voted Democratic.
- Both San Bernardino and Riverside average summer highs close to 95°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Riverside and San Bernardino experience similar winter lows, with Riverside reaching 42°F and San Bernardino getting down to 42°F.
- Both Riverside and San Bernardino see about the same yearly rainfall—Riverside averages 11 inches, while San Bernardino gets 13 inches each year.
- Both Riverside and San Bernardino receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Bernardino has a higher crime rate than Riverside, with a crime index of 73.87 vs 40.24.
Things to do in San Bernardino
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? San Bernardino has you covered.
Museums in San Bernardino
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
- Norton AFB Museum
- Inland Empire Military Museum
- Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art
Parks in San Bernardino
- Glen Helen Regional Park
- Blair Park
Sports teams in San Bernardino
- Inland Empire 66ers (Baseball)
- California State University of San Bernardino Coyotes
Universities in San Bernardino
- California State University, San Bernardino
- California University of Science and Medicine
- San Bernardino Valley College
- The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire
- American Sports University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to San Bernardino?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Riverside to San Bernardino, expect to pay between $340 and $1,191 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $843 and $2,732. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,251 up to $3,998 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to San Bernardino?
If you’re moving from Riverside to San Bernardino and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $115 and go up to $838. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $395 and $1,076. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $848 and $1,503.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to San Bernardino?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $39 to $99. A larger move will cost $48 to $124, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Riverside to San Bernardino costs from $64 to $149.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-San Bernardino movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Riverside to San Bernardino at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Riverside-to-San Bernardino movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Bernardino?
To save money on your move to San Bernardino, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
