Factors that influence moving costs from Riverside to Mesa
What to know before moving from Riverside to Mesa
Moving from Riverside to Mesa means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Riverside than in Mesa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Riverside compares to Mesa so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Riverside | Mesa | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,295 | $1,786 |
Average home value | $642,297 | $432,892 |
Average income (per capita) | $76,755 | $64,524 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,416 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $5,566 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.1% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 8.3% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Mesa are 22% lower than in Riverside, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mesa.
Home prices in Mesa are 32.6% lower than in Riverside. - Income in Mesa is 15.9% lower than in Riverside, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
- The cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 6.1% lower than in Riverside. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Mesa and Riverside.
- The unemployment rate in Mesa is 14.08% lower than in Riverside.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mesa are 5.14% lower than in Riverside.
- One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 81.20% lower than in Riverside.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,816.95 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Riverside.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Mesa
Mesa | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Population | 504,258 | 317,261 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance 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 |
- Mesa's population is about 59% greater than Riverside.
- Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Riverside's higher score of 5.
- Mesa is less walkable than Riverside with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Riverside's 43 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Riverside, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Mesa's crime rate is higher than Riverside with a score of 44.67 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
- Mesa is considered to be less safe than Riverside with a score of 55.33 vs Riverside's 59.76.
- Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Riverside it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Riverside vs. Mesa move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona 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 Mesa. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Mesa
Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
Now that you've made the move to Arizona, itโs the perfect time to explore Mesa. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Mesa, such as the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer 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 Riverside to Mesa?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Riverside to Mesa. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Riverside.
When is the cheapest time to move from Riverside to Mesa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Riverside to Mesa, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Riverside to Mesa take?
The 336-mile journey from Riverside, CA to Mesa, AZ typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Riverside offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Mesa.