($308+) Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ ranges from $940 to $6,167, with an average cost of $1,850. Moves can be as low as $308 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 318 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving options from Riverside to Phoenix fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $940 - $6,167 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $1,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 318 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 318-mile route from Riverside to Phoenix, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $940 - $3,680 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($827 - $1,521), rental truck ($311 - $538), or freight trailer ($735 - $1,395). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,645 - $4,635 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,167.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 318-mile move from Riverside, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, with costs ranging from $940 - $6,167. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $371 - $2,476. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Riverside and Phoenix. Local movers in Riverside typically start around $239 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $940 - $3,680
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,645 - $4,635
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,437 - $6,167
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Riverside to Phoenix.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Riverside movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Phoenix, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $619 - $6,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Burgess Moving and Storage | $248 - $1,486/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $371 - $2,971 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,238 - $3,714 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,095 - $12,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $927 - $1,762 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $1,238 - $3,095 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $990 - $4,333 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $371 - $1,857 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $805 - $2,476 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $371 - $18,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $371 - $4,333+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Riverside to Phoenix?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Riverside, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Riverside to Phoenix with a local mover averages $1,613 - $4,543. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Riverside, CA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Riverside, based on our analysis of feedback from 51 customers, 88.2% of which is positive.
Address: 15122 Ceres Avenue, Fontana, CA, 92335 | Founded: 2002
Moving container costs from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving containers from Riverside, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $827 and $2,599. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Riverside costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Riverside to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $827 - $1,521
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,066 - $2,008
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,510 - $2,599
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $93 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $186 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $867 in Riverside, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Phoenix, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $827. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,066 - $2,008.
What are the best moving containers Riverside to Phoenix?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Riverside to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Riverside:
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Plan on $311 - $785 for a rental moving truck on the 318-mile route from Riverside, California, to Phoenix, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $125 - $143
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Riverside daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Riverside to Phoenix based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $311 - $538
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $332 - $677
- 4+ bedrooms: $414 - $785
Pro tip: A rental truck from Riverside to Phoenix looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $311 - $785. But once you factor in fuel ($125 - $143), overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $186 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Riverside, California, usually costs about $867 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 318-mile drive falls between $125 and $143, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $62 and $371 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside to Phoenix?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Riverside, California, to Phoenix, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,114 and $1,623.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $735 - $1,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $897 - $1,623
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,100
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $93 - $186 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Riverside, California, for about five hours typically runs $867.
What are the best freight companies from Riverside to Phoenix?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Riverside to Phoenix, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Riverside, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Phoenix, side by side with Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,295/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $539,898 | $380,294 |
| Average income | $88,575/yr | $77,041/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 46.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Phoenix, AZ to Riverside, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Arizona, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 318-mile move.
Our take
The 318-mile move from Riverside, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, costs between $940 and $6,167 with full-service movers, $827 - $2,599 with a moving container, and $311 - $785 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,645 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Riverside, CA, to Phoenix, AZ
What is the cheapest way to move from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $332 - $677. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Riverside, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $308 to $6,167, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $940 and $6,167, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Riverside?
Local movers based in Riverside typically start around $239 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Phoenix run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” 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.
What percentage of Riverside movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Riverside handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.