Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside costs $37–$4,038, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 39-mile route within California take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Santa Ana to Riverside?
Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 39-mile move:
Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside costs between $37 and $4,038, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 39-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $794–$2,575 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $399–$1,132 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $47–$119 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $75/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Riverside?
Moving from Santa Ana to Riverside costs between $37 and $4,038, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 39-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $439–$4,038
- Moving containers: $127–$1,565
- Rental trucks: $37–$150
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 39 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $439–$1,459 | $127–$855 | $37–$95 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $794–$2,575 | $399–$1,132 | $47–$119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,303–$4,038 | $800–$1,565 | $64–$150 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Santa Ana to Riverside move?
The most common extra fees on a Santa Ana to Riverside move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Santa Ana to Riverside
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Santa Ana to Riverside, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 39 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Santa Ana to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 39 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Santa Ana guide.
How does Riverside compare to Santa Ana?
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. Riverside
Cost-of-living differences between Santa Ana and Riverside extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Riverside compares to Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $657,015 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,354 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.1% |
| Average sales tax | 9.25% | 8.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Santa Ana and Riverside comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Riverside are 13% lower than in Santa Ana. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Riverside are 18% lower than Santa Ana. Apply the savings to a larger property, a shorter mortgage, or higher equity at purchase.
- Income levels in Santa Ana and Riverside are about the same. Budget assumptions hold steady through the move.
- Living expenses for one person in Riverside are 59% lower than Santa Ana. Use the gap to accelerate financial goals you previously delayed.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Riverside is 50% lower than Santa Ana. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
- Unemployment rates match in Riverside and Santa Ana. Use Santa Ana hiring timelines as a baseline for Riverside planning.
- Sales taxes match in Riverside and Santa Ana. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Santa Ana, you'd need roughly $1,230 to maintain the same lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Riverside
Life in Riverside compared to Santa Ana differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Santa Ana | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 40.24 |
- Riverside has a comparable population to Santa Ana. Use industry, climate, and cost-of-living comparisons to evaluate fit, not city-size assumptions.
- Santa Ana and Riverside both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer highs in Riverside reach 94°F, hotter than Santa Ana at 82°F. Expect higher AC costs and more indoor activity from June to August.
- Winter lows in Santa Ana (47°F) and Riverside (42°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Santa Ana (13 inches) and Riverside (11 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Santa Ana and Riverside is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Riverside (40.24) is lower than Santa Ana (54.17). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Riverside
Riverside offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Santa Ana to Riverside
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Santa Ana to Riverside, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $37–$4,038 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Santa Ana to Riverside
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Santa Ana to Riverside?
A full-service move from Santa Ana to Riverside costs $340–$1,191 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $794 to $2,575, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Santa Ana to Riverside costs from $1,303 to $4,038.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to Riverside?
Moving containers from Santa Ana to Riverside cost $115–$830 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $399 and $1,132. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $800–$1,565.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to Riverside?
A rental moving truck from Santa Ana to Riverside costs $39–$93 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $47–$119. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $64–$150.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-Riverside movers?
Book your movers for a Santa Ana to Riverside move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside?
The cheapest moving deals to Riverside fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
