($1,736+) Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT Movers
The cost to move from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT ranges from $1,441 to $12,581, with an average cost of $4,950. Moves can be as low as $1,736 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,857 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 Hartford, CT
Moving options from Riverside to Hartford fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,441 - $12,581 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,857 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,857-mile route from Riverside to Hartford, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,441 - $6,419 | $2,075 - $4,121 | $1,687 - $3,208 | $1,794 - $3,566 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,427 - $8,120 | $2,665 - $5,463 | $1,702 - $3,628 | $2,090 - $4,683 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,009 - $12,581 | $3,642 - $7,990 | $2,151 - $4,500 | $2,973 - $6,027 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 11, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,857-mile move from Riverside, California, to Hartford, Connecticut, with prices running from $1,441 - $12,581. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $362 - $2,412 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Riverside and Hartford are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Riverside movers tend to run around $239 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to Hartford:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $6,419
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,427 - $8,120
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,009 - $12,581
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 Hartford.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Connecticut. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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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Add-ons and specialty services from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Riverside to Hartford) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $603 - $6,030 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $241 - $1,447/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $362 - $2,894 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,206 - $3,618 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,015 - $12,060 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $903 - $1,716 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,206 - $3,015 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $965 - $4,221 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $362 - $1,809 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $784 - $2,412 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $362 - $18,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $362 - $4,221+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Hartford | $119/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Hartford | $64/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Hartford | $42/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Riverside to Hartford?
Movers licensed to operate in Connecticut are typically members of the Movers & Warehousemen’s Association of Connecticut, 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Riverside, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT
Moving containers from Riverside, California, to Hartford, Connecticut, cost between $2,075 and $7,990. 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 Hartford:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,075 - $4,121
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,665 - $5,463
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,642 - $7,990
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $90 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $181 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Hartford, CT, 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 $844 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 Connecticut 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 $2,075. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,665 - $5,463, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Riverside to Hartford?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Burgess Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 80 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT
Truck rentals from Riverside, California, to Hartford, Connecticut, range from $1,687 - $4,500 for the 2,857-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,096 - $1,253
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Hartford based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,687 - $3,208
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,702 - $3,628
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,151 - $4,500
Pro tip: A rental truck from Riverside to Hartford looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,687 - $4,500. But once you factor in fuel ($1,096 - $1,253) , overnight lodging ($181/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,096 - $1,253 for the 2,857-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 $844.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,857-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $181 per night, adding $362 - $543 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $362.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside to Hartford?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Riverside, California, to Hartford, Connecticut. 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 $1,085 and $4,683.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to Hartford:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,794 - $3,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,090 - $4,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,973 - $6,027
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $90 and $181.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Riverside, California, for roughly five hours typically average $844.
What are the best freight companies from Riverside to Hartford?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Riverside to Hartford. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Riverside, CA vs Hartford, CT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Hartford, side by side with Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Hartford, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 105 |
| Average rent | $2,295/mo | $1,330/mo |
| Median home value | $539,898 | $217,237 |
| Average income | $88,575/yr | $45,300/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 14.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.0% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 36.25/100 |
| 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 Hartford, CT to Riverside, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 390 real quotes from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,857-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Riverside, CA, to Hartford, CT, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,441 - $12,581 on the 2,857-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,075 - $7,990 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,687 - $4,500 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,427 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aetna and Prudential Retirement Insurance And Annuity Co.
FAQs: Moving from Riverside, CA, to Hartford, CT
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Hartford a safe place to live?
Hartford has a safety index of 36.25 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.75, compared to 59.76 and 40.24 in Riverside. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT?
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 $1,702 - $3,628. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Hartford?
For families, Weatogue, Avon, and Simsbury are worth a look in Hartford. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Asylum Hill, and Rocky Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Riverside, CA to Hartford, CT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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.
