Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Phoenix to Riverside move
What to know before moving from Phoenix to Riverside
Moving from Phoenix to Riverside comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Riverside is generally more expensive than Phoenix, itโs 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:
| Phoenix | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,295 |
| Average home value | $411,139 | $642,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $76,755 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.6% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 35% higher than in Phoenix, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Phoenix.
Home prices in Riverside are 56.2% higher than in Phoenix. - Income in Riverside is 18.9% higher than in Phoenix, 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 8.6% higher than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Riverside, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 7.2% higher than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is 7.58% higher than in Phoenix.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the cityโs sales taxes in Riverside are 1.74% higher than in Phoenix.
- State income taxes in Riverside are 432.00% higher than in Phoenix.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,258.34 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Riverside
| Riverside | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 1,608,139 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 56 |
| Crime Index | 40.24 | 53.06 |
| Safety Index | 59.76 | 46.94 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 80% less than Phoenix.
- Getting around Riverside without a car might be more difficult than in Phoenix. Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Phoenix is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Riverside to be about as walkable as Phoenix. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 43 and 41 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Riverside, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Phoenix. While Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, Riverside earned a 49. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Riverside has a lower crime rate than Phoenix based on scores of 40.24 and Phoenix's 53.06, 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 Phoenix, based on Riversideโs safety index of 59.76 versus 46.94 for Phoenix. 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 โT 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
Now that you've made the move to California, itโs the perfect time to explore Riverside. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Riverside, such as the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and Heritage House.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Riverside?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Phoenix to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Phoenix are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Riverside?
With many people choosing to move from Phoenix 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 Phoenix to Riverside take?
Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA covers 320 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Phoenix movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Riverside.
