Moving from San Bernardino to Riverside, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from San Bernardino to Riverside costs between $36 to $4,038 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 San Bernardino to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Bernardino to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Bernardino 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 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 - $2,680 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $388 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $120 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Alex Moving and Storage | $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 San Bernardino to Riverside?
It costs between $36 to $4,038 to move from San Bernardino to Riverside. The prices below break down your 11-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $480 - $4,038
- Moving containers: $127 - $1,581
- Rental trucks: $36 - $153
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $480 - $1,321 | $127 - $863 | $36 - $94 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $843 - $2,680 | $388 - $1,177 | $47 - $120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,290 - $4,038 | $800 - $1,581 | $62 - $153 |
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 San Bernardino to Riverside
At 11 miles, your San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino to Riverside. 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino guide.
Considerations when moving from San Bernardino to Riverside
Cost of living: San Bernardino vs. Riverside
When comparing the cost of living between San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Bernardino | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $381,380 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,988 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,054 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,469 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 18% higher than in San Bernardino. 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 42% higher than in San Bernardino, 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 38% higher than in San Bernardino. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Riverside are 25% higher than in San Bernardino, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 25% higher than in San Bernardino. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Riverside one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Riverside is 33% lower than in San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,750 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Bernardino.
How life is different in San Bernardino vs. Riverside
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Riverside vs. San Bernardino. 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.
| San Bernardino | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,101 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 95ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 73.87 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Riverside is around 43% bigger than San Bernardino. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both San Bernardino and Riverside voted Democratic.
- Both Riverside and San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino and Riverside experience similar winter lows, with San Bernardino reaching 42°F and Riverside getting down to 42°F.
- Both San Bernardino and Riverside see about the same yearly rainfall—San Bernardino averages 13 inches, while Riverside gets 11 inches each year.
- Both San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, boasting a lower crime index of 40.24 compared to San Bernardino’s 73.87.
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 San Bernardino to Riverside?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from San Bernardino to Riverside, expect to pay between $347 and $1,214 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $843 and $2,680. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,290 up to $4,038 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from San Bernardino to Riverside?
If you’re moving from San Bernardino 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 $121 and go up to $766. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $388 and $1,177. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $800 and $1,581.
How much is a moving truck from San Bernardino 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 $38 to $94. A larger move will cost $47 to $120, and a four-bedroom or larger move from San Bernardino to Riverside costs from $62 to $153.
How far in advance should I book San Bernardino-to-Riverside movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino-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.
