($1,096) Movers From Scottsdale, AZ to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Riverside

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

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

• Rent prices in Riverside are 31% lower than in Scottsdale, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Riverside.
  Home prices in Riverside are 22.4% lower than in Scottsdale.
• Income in Riverside is 18.9% higher than in Scottsdale, 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 55.3% lower than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 22.6% higher than in Scottsdale.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 51.06% higher than in Scottsdale.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 8.70% higher than in Scottsdale.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 432.00% higher than in Scottsdale.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,341.73 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.

How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Riverside

• The population of Riverside is about 31% greater than Scottsdale, 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.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Riverside will be about the same as it currently is in Scottsdale. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
• Living in Riverside means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Scottsdale. Riverside is considered more walkable than Scottsdale, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Scottsdale. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Riverside, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Scottsdale. While Scottsdale 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.
• The crime rate in Riverside is higher than in Scottsdale, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 40.24 in Riverside, it is 25.8 in Scottsdale. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Riverside. With a crime index of 59.76, Riverside ranks lower in overall safety than Scottsdale, whose index is Scottsdale's 74.2. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Riverside isn’t as good as it is in Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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