($323+) Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $314 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,211 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,056, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,211 or more.
- Moving containers run $868 - $2,672, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $314 - $815.
- 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 $1,659 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,659 - $5,010. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 319-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $1,056 - $3,634 | $868 - $1,564 | $314 - $630 | $812 - $1,393 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,659 - $5,010 | $1,154 - $2,173 | $356 - $711 | $877 - $1,773 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,408 - $6,211 | $1,510 - $2,672 | $457 - $815 | $1,232 - $2,182 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 319-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Riverside, California, with costs ranging from $1,056 - $6,211. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $361 - $2,404. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Phoenix and Riverside. Local movers in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $3,634
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,659 - $5,010
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,408 - $6,211
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 85% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Riverside, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $601 - $6,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% 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 coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,202 - $3,005 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $962 - $4,207 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $361 - $1,803 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,577 - $4,760. 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 (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Phoenix, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% 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 $868 and $2,672. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Phoenix costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,564
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,154 - $2,173
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,510 - $2,672
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Phoenix, AZ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $841, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $90 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $180 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Phoenix, AZ, and Riverside, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $868. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,154 - $2,173, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA
Truck rentals from Phoenix, Arizona, to Riverside, California, range from $314 - $815 for the 319-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $314 - $630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $356 - $711
- 4+ bedrooms: $457 - $815
Pro tip: The base rate of $314 - $815 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Phoenix to Riverside. Fuel ($122 - $139) , lodging at around $180/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $841.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $122 - $139 for the 319-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $72 and $391, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $180 per night for hotel stops on the 319-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $361 - $541.
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 $1,773.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $812 - $1,393
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $877 - $1,773
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,182
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $90 and $180.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $841.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Riverside fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 319-mile move.
Our take
The 319-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to Riverside, CA, costs between $1,056 and $6,211 with full-service movers, $868 - $2,672 with a moving container, and $314 - $815 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,659 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
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
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Phoenix?
Local movers based in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Riverside run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 $356 - $711. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
