Birmingham, AL to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

• Rent is about 84% more expensive in Riverside than in Birmingham. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 410% steeper in Riverside compared to Birmingham.
• Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 95% greater in Riverside than in Birmingham, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Riverside and Birmingham, you likely won't feel a significant change.
• A move to Riverside can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 17% lower compared to Birmingham.
• Riverside has a higher unemployment rate than Birmingham by about 27%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 13% cheaper in Riverside compared to Birmingham. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 166% more in California than in Alabama. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Riverside's population is about 61% greater than Birmingham.
• Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
• Riverside is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Birmingham's 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 49 out of 100, Riverside is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Riverside's crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 40.24 compared to Birmingham's 61.64. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
• Riverside is considered to be safer than Birmingham with a safety index of 59.76 vs Birmingham's 38.36.
• Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Birmingham it's Good.

• HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Riverside. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Canyon Crest
• Victoria
• Downtown
• Magnolia Center
• La Sierra South

Best neighborhoods for families

• Orangecrest
• Mission Grove
• Canyon Crest
• Alessandro Heights
• Victoria

Things to do in Riverside

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Riverside. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Riverside is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an 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 game.