Riverside, CA to Scottsdale, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Scottsdale typically costs $1,900–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 329 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Riverside to Scottsdale
Moving from Riverside, CA to Scottsdale, AZ typically costs $1,900–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 329-mile move from Riverside to Scottsdale, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,005 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,598 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,038 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Riverside to Scottsdale
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 Scottsdale might be as low as $1,100, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,200.
- 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 $400 to $1,000 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Riverside, CA guide.
Best Riverside to Scottsdale movers by type
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Best professional movers from Riverside to Scottsdale
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Riverside to Scottsdale, 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
How we chose the best CA→AZ 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 Scottsdale
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Scottsdale runs about 124% higher for singles and -18% higher for families than Riverside.
Singles spend around $5,753 in Scottsdale versus $2,573 in Riverside; families pay $4,570 compared with $5,604.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Riverside | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,163 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,270 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $642,297 | $827,308 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,755 | $64,533 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,573 | $5,753 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,604 | $4,570 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 8.05% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 44% higher in Scottsdale than in Riverside, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 29% higher in Scottsdale than in Riverside.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 16% lower in Scottsdale than in Riverside.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Scottsdale, as the cost of living for a single person in Scottsdale is 124% greater than in Riverside. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Scottsdale could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 18% lower than in Riverside.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 34% lower than Riverside, Scottsdale boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Scottsdale than Riverside, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Riverside and Scottsdale, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Riverside | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.50 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.22 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.02 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $77.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $34.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Riverside than in Scottsdale, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Riverside than in Scottsdale.
- Eggs cost more in Riverside than in Scottsdale.
- Bread is more expensive in Riverside than in Scottsdale.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Riverside than in Scottsdale.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Riverside than in Scottsdale.
- Gym memberships cost more in Riverside than in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Scottsdale
| Riverside | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 241,361 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 56 |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 25.8 |
| Safety index | 59.76 | 74.2 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Scottsdale's population is about 24% less than Riverside.
- Scottsdale's public transportation score is within about 5% of Riverside, making them very similar.
- Scottsdale is less walkable than Riverside with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Riverside's 43 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Scottsdale 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.
- Scottsdale's crime rate is lower than Riverside with a score of 25.8 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Scottsdale neighborhoods are safer than 25.8% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
- Scottsdale is considered to be safer than Riverside with a safety index of 74.2 vs Riverside's 59.76.
- Air quality in Scottsdale is Good, and in Riverside it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Riverside to Scottsdale 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Arizona, 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 Scottsdale 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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Scottsdale
Ready to relocate to The West's Most Western Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Scottsdale.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Gainey Ranch
- Kierland
- Shea Corridor
- South Scottsdale
Best neighborhoods for families
- McCormick Ranch
- DC Ranch
- Grayhawk
- Troon North
- South Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, it's the perfect time to explore Scottsdale. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Scottsdale include museums and art centers like the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, Penske Racing Museum, Cosanti, and Wonderspaces Arizona.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Chaparral Park, Xeriscape Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and Scottsdale Artists' School Rose Garden, 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 Scottsdale Scorpions (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Riverside to Scottsdale?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Riverside to Scottsdale. 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 Scottsdale?
With many people choosing to move from Riverside to Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale take?
Covering 329 miles, the move from Riverside, CA to Scottsdale, AZ typically takes one to four days. Some Riverside movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?
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.