Moving from Sacramento to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Sacramento to Riverside costs between $476 to $8,301 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 435-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Sacramento to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Sacramento to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Sacramento 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 435 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,183 - $6,164 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,452 - $2,628 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $479 - $1,011 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Two Men and a Truck Moving | $130/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 Sacramento to Riverside?
It costs between $476 to $8,301 to move from Sacramento to Riverside. The prices below break down your 435-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,421 - $8,301
- Moving containers: $1,113 - $3,639
- Rental trucks: $476 - $1,227
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,421 - $4,416 | $1,113 - $2,063 | $476 - $852 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,183 - $6,164 | $1,452 - $2,628 | $479 - $1,011 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,033 - $8,301 | $1,928 - $3,639 | $584 - $1,227 |
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 | $381 - $3,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $130/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $254 - $1,016 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $64 - $254 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Sacramento to Riverside
At 435 miles, your Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 435 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Double Move is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Sacramento to Riverside. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 203 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Sacramento guide.
Considerations when moving from Sacramento to Riverside
Cost of living: Sacramento vs. Riverside
When comparing the cost of living between Sacramento and Riverside, 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 Riverside stacks up against Sacramento.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Sacramento | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,899 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $483,739 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,753 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,656 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,191 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 21% higher than in Sacramento. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Riverside are 12% higher than in Sacramento, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 6% higher than in Sacramento. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Riverside and Sacramento. That means your move should have minimal financial impact, assuming your income stays the same.
- The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 9% lower than in Sacramento. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Riverside is 8% lower than in Sacramento. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Riverside and Sacramento, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,910 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Sacramento.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Riverside
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Riverside vs. Sacramento. 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.
| Sacramento | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Riverside has about 40% fewer people than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento and Riverside voted Democratic.
- Both Riverside and Sacramento average summer highs close to 94°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Sacramento and Riverside experience similar winter lows, with Sacramento reaching 39°F and Riverside getting down to 42°F.
- Sacramento tends to be wetter than Riverside, averaging 20 inches of annual rainfall compared to Riverside’s 11 inches.
- Both Sacramento and Riverside receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Riverside is safer than Sacramento, boasting a lower crime index of 40.24 compared to Sacramento’s 49.21.
Things to do in Riverside
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Riverside has you covered.
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 Sacramento to Riverside?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Sacramento to Riverside, expect to pay between $1,301 and $3,801 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,183 and $6,164. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,033 up to $8,301 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Sacramento to Riverside?
If you’re moving from Sacramento to Riverside and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $803 and go up to $1,853. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,452 and $2,628. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,928 and $3,639.
How much is a moving truck from Sacramento to Riverside?
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 $444 to $877. A larger move will cost $479 to $1,011, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Sacramento to Riverside costs from $584 to $1,227.
How far in advance should I book Sacramento-to-Riverside movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Sacramento to Riverside 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 Sacramento-to-Riverside 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 Riverside?
To save money on your move to Riverside, 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.
