($311+) Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $311 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,290 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 319 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $946, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,290 or more.
- Moving containers run $861 - $2,547, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $311 - $825.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,532 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix to Riverside: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,532 - $4,362. Containers cost roughly 33% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 77% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 319 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 319-mile route from Phoenix to Riverside, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $946 - $3,608 | $861 - $1,581 | $311 - $572 | $766 - $1,287 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,532 - $4,362 | $1,034 - $1,987 | $349 - $644 | $905 - $1,689 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,437 - $6,290 | $1,366 - $2,547 | $410 - $825 | $1,127 - $2,163 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
For the 319-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Riverside, California, full-service movers cost between $946 and $6,290. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $361 - $2,404 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Phoenix generally start around $140 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $946 - $3,608
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,532 - $4,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,437 - $6,290
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Phoenix to Riverside.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $601 - $6,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $240 - $1,442/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $361 - $2,885 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,202 - $3,606 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,005 - $12,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $900 - $1,710 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Arizona Discount Movers | $1,202 - $3,005 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Beltmann Relocation Group | $962 - $4,207 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $361 - $1,803 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $781 - $2,404 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $361 - $18,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $361 - $4,207+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Riverside?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Phoenix, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Riverside with a local mover averages $1,456 - $4,144. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Phoenix, AZ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Phoenix, based on our analysis of feedback from 146 customers, 82.9% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Riverside, California, cost between $861 and $2,547. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $861 - $1,581
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,034 - $1,987
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,547
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $180 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $841 in Phoenix, AZ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Riverside, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $861. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,034 - $1,987.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix to Riverside?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Phoenix to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Phoenix:
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 319-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Riverside, California, costs between $311 and $825, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $122 - $139
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Phoenix to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $311 - $572
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $349 - $644
- 4+ bedrooms: $410 - $825
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Phoenix to Riverside starts at $311 - $825, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($122 - $139), overnight lodging ($180/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $90 and $421.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $180.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $122 and $139 for the 319-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $841 for 2 movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix to Riverside?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Riverside, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,082 and $1,689.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $766 - $1,287
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $905 - $1,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,163
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $90 - $180 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, typically costs $841.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Phoenix to Riverside. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 59.76/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 242 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 319-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 319-mile route from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA, run $946 - $6,290 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $861 - $2,547, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $311 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,532, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Riverside?
For families, Orangecrest, Mission Grove, and Canyon Crest are worth a look in Riverside. If you're moving solo or without kids, Canyon Crest, Victoria, and Downtown tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $349 - $644. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Riverside a safe place to live?
Riverside has a safety index of 59.76 out of 100 and a crime index of 40.24, compared to 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.