($1,529) Movers From Birmingham, AL to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Birmingham to Riverside

Moving from Birmingham to Riverside means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Birmingham than in Riverside, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Birmingham compares to Riverside so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Riverside are 84% higher than in Birmingham, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Birmingham.
  Home prices in Riverside are 409.8% higher than in Birmingham.
• Income in Riverside is 94.8% higher than in Birmingham, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Riverside include Bourns, California Baptist University, and Riverside County Office of Education.
• The cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 4.6% lower than in Birmingham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 16.7% lower than in Birmingham.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 26.79% higher than in Birmingham.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 12.50% lower than in Birmingham.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 166.00% higher than in Birmingham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,862.07 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Birmingham.

How life is different in Birmingham vs. Riverside

• The population of Riverside is about 61% greater than Birmingham, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Riverside offers better access to buses and trains than Birmingham, based on public transportation ratings. Riverside has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 0 in Birmingham. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Riverside means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Birmingham. Riverside is considered more walkable than Birmingham, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 33 out of 100 in Birmingham. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Riverside is considered more bike-friendly than Birmingham in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, while Birmingham is rated as 31 out of 100.
• Riverside has a lower crime rate than Birmingham based on scores of 40.24 and Birmingham's 61.64, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Riverside than in Birmingham, based on Riverside’s safety index of 59.76 versus 38.36 for Birmingham. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Riverside isn’t as good as it is in Birmingham, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Riverside has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Birmingham is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Birmingham vs. Riverside move

• Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Riverside

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Arts and Innovation", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources