Key factors that impact the cost of your Montgomery to Riverside movetoggle

The cost of Montgomery movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Montgomery to Riverside (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,628, while larger moves may reach $13,754 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Montgomery.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,476 to $3,646, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Montgomery to Riverside

Moving from Montgomery to Riverside comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Riverside is generally more expensive than Montgomery, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Montgomery Riverside
Average rent cost $1,200 $2,295
Average home value $140,563 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $49,989 $76,755
Cost of living (single person) $1,651 $2,573
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,569 $5,604
Unemployment rate 5.8% 7.1%
Sales tax 10.0% 8.75%
State income tax 5.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Riverside are 91% higher than in Montgomery, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Montgomery.
    Home prices in Riverside are 356.9% higher than in Montgomery.
  • Income in Riverside is 53.5% higher than in Montgomery, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Riverside, since the cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 55.8% higher than in Montgomery. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Riverside, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 57.0% higher than in Montgomery.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 22.41% higher than in Montgomery.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Riverside are 12.50% lower than in Montgomery.
  • State income taxes in Riverside are 166.00% higher than in Montgomery.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,675.35 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Montgomery.

How life is different in Montgomery vs. Riverside

Riverside Montgomery
Population 317,261 200,603
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 2
Walkability score 43 26
Bike friendliness score 49 33
Crime Index 40.24 65.25
Safety Index 59.76 34.75
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • The population of Riverside is about 58% greater than Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, based on public transportation ratings. Riverside has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 2 in Montgomery. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Riverside means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Montgomery. Riverside is considered more walkable than Montgomery, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 26 out of 100 in Montgomery. A cityโ€™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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery is rated as 33 out of 100.
  • Riverside has a lower crime rate than Montgomery based on scores of 40.24 and Montgomery's 65.25, 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 Montgomery, based on Riversideโ€™s safety index of 59.76 versus 34.75 for Montgomery. 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 and Montgomery is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Montgomery 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 โ€œT Numberโ€ 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 โ€“ 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.

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Riverside has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Riverside features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and Heritage House.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Riverside?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Montgomery to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Montgomery are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Riverside?

With many people choosing to move from Montgomery to Riverside 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 Montgomery to Riverside take?

Moving from Montgomery, AL to Riverside, CA covers 2,031 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Montgomery movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources