($317+) Riverside, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Riverside, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $967 to $6,625, with an average cost of $1,950. Moves can be as low as $317 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 327 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 Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Riverside to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $967 - $6,625 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $1,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 32% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 78% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 327 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 327-mile route from Riverside to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $967 - $3,591 with full-service movers, $828 - $1,588 with a container, $317 - $561 with a rental truck, or $799 - $1,416 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,598 - $4,397 full-service, $1,092 - $1,996 by container, $344 - $713 by rental truck, or $865 - $1,597 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,657 - $6,625 full-service, $1,517 - $2,643 by container, $427 - $845 by rental truck, or $1,109 - $2,200 by freight.
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 Tempe, AZ
Full-service movers for the 327-mile relocation from Riverside, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $967 and $6,625. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $371 - $2,476, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Riverside typically charge a base rate around $239 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $967 - $3,591
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,598 - $4,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,657 - $6,625
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 Tempe.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Riverside, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Riverside movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 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 Tempe?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Tempe with a local mover averages $1,613 - $4,440. Working with a local mover based in Riverside, CA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
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 Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Riverside, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $828 and $2,643. 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 Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $828 - $1,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,092 - $1,996
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,517 - $2,643
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $93 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $186 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tempe, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $867 in Riverside, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $828. 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 $1,092 - $1,996.
What are the best moving containers Riverside to Tempe?
- 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 Tempe, AZ
A rental truck for this 327-mile move from Riverside, California, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $317 and $845. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $129 - $147
- 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 Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $317 - $561
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $344 - $713
- 4+ bedrooms: $427 - $845
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Riverside to Tempe starts at $317 - $845, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($129 - $147), overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $129 - $147 for the 327-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Riverside, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $867.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 327-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $186 per night, adding $371 - $557 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $62 and $371.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside to Tempe?
- 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 Tempe, AZ
If you're moving a larger household from Riverside, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tempe, Arizona.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $865 and $1,597.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $799 - $1,416
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $865 - $1,597
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,109 - $2,200
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Riverside, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $867.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $93 and $186 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Riverside to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tempe fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Riverside, CA vs Tempe, AZ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tempe, side by side with Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,295/mo | $1,834/mo |
| Median home value | $539,898 | $421,086 |
| Average income | $88,575/yr | $77,643/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 2.5% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 57.64/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Tempe, AZ to Riverside, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 327-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Riverside, CA, to Tempe, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $967 for a studio to $6,625 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 327-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $828 - $2,643. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $317 - $845, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,598 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Riverside, CA, to Tempe, AZ
What are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
For families, Alta Mira, Dava-Lakeshore, and Meyer Park are worth a look in Tempe. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and Kyrene-Superstition tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Riverside, CA to Tempe, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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 Tempe run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Riverside, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Riverside, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $317 to $6,625, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $967 and $6,625, 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 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.