Mesa, AZ to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Mesa to Riverside typically costs $2,000–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 336 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Mesa to Riverside
Moving from Mesa, AZ to Riverside, CA typically costs $2,000–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 336-mile move from Mesa to Riverside, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,337 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,031 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,130 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 23, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 03, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Mesa to Riverside
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Mesa to Riverside might be as low as $1,200, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,300.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Mesa.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $400 to $900 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Riverside, CA to Mesa, AZ guide.
Best Mesa to Riverside movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Mesa to Riverside
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Mesa to Riverside, 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 AZ→CA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 99 Arizona 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 Mesa to Riverside
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Riverside runs about 6% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Mesa.
Singles spend around $2,573 in Riverside versus $2,416 in Mesa; families pay $5,604 compared with $5,566.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Mesa | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,734 | $2,163 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $3,270 |
| Average home value | $432,892 | $642,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,524 | $76,755 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,416 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,566 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.3% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 28% higher in Riverside than in Mesa, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 48% higher in Riverside than in Mesa.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 19% higher in Riverside than in Mesa, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Riverside, as the cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 6% greater than in Mesa. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Riverside and Mesa, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside exceeds that of Mesa by about 16%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Riverside and Mesa (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 432% higher in California than in Arizona. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Mesa and Riverside, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Mesa | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $46.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.69 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.02 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $42.00 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Mesa than in Riverside.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mesa than in Riverside.
- Eggs are less expensive in Mesa than in Riverside.
- Bread is more expensive in Mesa than in Riverside.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Mesa than in Riverside.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Mesa than in Riverside.
- Gym memberships cost more in Mesa than in Riverside.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Riverside
| Mesa | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 504,258 | 317,261 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 38 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 49 |
| Crime index | 44.67 | 40.24 |
| Safety index | 55.33 | 59.76 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Riverside's population is about 37% less than Mesa.
- Riverside's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Mesa's score of 4.
- Riverside is more walkable than Mesa with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Mesa's 38 out of 100.
- Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Mesa, which has a score of 60.
- Riverside's crime rate is lower than Mesa with a score of 40.24 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
- Riverside is considered to be safer than Mesa with a safety index of 59.76 vs Mesa's 55.33.
- Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Mesa it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa to Riverside 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: 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 check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, 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 Riverside 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. 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
Ready to relocate to City of Arts and Innovation? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to California, it's the perfect time to explore Riverside. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Riverside include museums and art centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio 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 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Riverside?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Mesa to Riverside. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Riverside?
With many people choosing to move from Mesa 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 Mesa to Riverside take?
Covering 336 miles, the move from Mesa, AZ to Riverside, CA typically takes one to four days. Some Mesa movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Riverside can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Mesa offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Mesa offer AAA member savings. 2 movers provide military discounts. 5 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 Mesa can handle specialty items for my move to Riverside?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Mesa, 54 movers can handle pianos. 37 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AZ, there are 73 piano movers and 49 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.
