Riverside, CA to Olympia, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Olympia typically costs $3,000–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,127 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Riverside to Olympia
Moving from Riverside, CA to Olympia, WA typically costs $3,000–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,127-mile move from Riverside to Olympia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $1,626 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,781 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,411 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 18, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Riverside to Olympia
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Riverside to Olympia might be as low as $2,500, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,200.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Riverside.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $800 to $2,200 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Olympia, WA to Riverside, CA guide.
Best Riverside to Olympia movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Riverside to Olympia
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Riverside to Olympia, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→WA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Riverside to Olympia
Overall, Riverside and Olympia land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,473 in Olympia and $2,573 in Riverside, while families in Olympia see $5,391 versus $5,604 in Riverside.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Riverside | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,163 | $1,675 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,270 | $2,817 |
| Average home value | $642,297 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,755 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,573 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,604 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Olympia from Riverside, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 17% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 21% cheaper in Olympia, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 13% lower in Olympia than in Riverside.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Olympia and Riverside, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Olympia and Riverside, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 21% lower than Riverside, Olympia boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Olympia exceed those in Riverside by 7%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Riverside and Olympia, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Riverside | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $152.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.50 | $58.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.02 | $3.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $58.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Riverside than in Olympia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Riverside than in Olympia.
- Eggs cost more in Riverside than in Olympia.
- Bread is more expensive in Riverside than in Olympia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Riverside than in Olympia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Riverside than in Olympia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Riverside than in Olympia.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Olympia
| Riverside | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 55,605 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 59 |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 27.95 |
| Safety index | 59.76 | 62.25 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Olympia's population is about 82% less than Riverside.
- Olympia's public transportation score is within about 5% of Riverside, making them very similar.
- Olympia is less walkable than Riverside with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Riverside's 43 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Olympia is more bike-friendly than Riverside, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Olympia's crime rate is lower than Riverside with a score of 27.95 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
- Olympia and Riverside have a similar safety level, with scores of 62.25 and 59.76.
- Air quality in Olympia is Good, and in Riverside it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Riverside to Olympia move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Washington, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Olympia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Olympia
Ready to relocate to Oly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Downtown
- Bigelow Highlands
- Upper Eastside
- Eastside
- North East
- Bigelow
- South Westside
- Woodfield Estates
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bigelow Highlands
- Holiday Hills
- Woodfield Estates
- Eastside
- Cain Road
- Indian Creek
- Governor Stevens
- Bigelow
- Carlyon-North
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
Now that you've made the move to Washington, it's the perfect time to explore Olympia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Olympia include museums and art centers like the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, and Bigelow House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Riverside to Olympia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Riverside to Olympia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Riverside.
When is the cheapest time to move from Riverside to Olympia?
With many people choosing to move from Riverside to Olympia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Riverside to Olympia take?
Covering 1,127 miles, the move from Riverside, CA to Olympia, WA typically takes two to eight days. Some Riverside movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Olympia can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Riverside offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Riverside can handle specialty items for my move to Olympia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Riverside, 42 movers can handle pianos. 34 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
