($1,142) Movers From Tempe, AZ to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Tempe to Riverside

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

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

• Rent prices in Riverside are 25% higher than in Tempe, 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 Tempe.
  Home prices in Riverside are 36.2% higher than in Tempe.
• Income in Riverside is 19.8% higher than in Tempe, 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 52.6% lower than in Tempe. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 17.7% lower than in Tempe.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 31.48% higher than in Tempe.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 8.02% higher than in Tempe.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 432.00% higher than in Tempe.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,420.76 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tempe.

How life is different in Tempe vs. Riverside

• The population of Riverside is about 76% greater than Tempe, 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.
• Getting around Riverside without a car might be more difficult than in Tempe. Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Tempe is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Riverside neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Tempe. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Riverside isn’t as walkable as Tempe, which has a score of 54 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Riverside, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Tempe. While Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 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.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Riverside as Tempe. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Riverside is generally as safe as Tempe, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Riverside isn’t as good as it is in Tempe, 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 Tempe 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 Tempe 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