Moving from Fontana to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to Riverside costs $39–$4,078, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 9-mile route within California take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Fontana to Riverside?
Moving from Fontana to Riverside doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 9-mile move:
Moving from Fontana to Riverside costs between $39 and $4,078, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 9-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $827–$2,707 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $368–$1,109 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $49–$115 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $110/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Fontana to Riverside?
Moving from Fontana to Riverside costs between $39 and $4,078, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 9-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $448–$4,078
- Moving containers: $129–$1,644
- Rental trucks: $39–$158
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 9 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $448–$1,459 | $129–$797 | $39–$93 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $827–$2,707 | $368–$1,109 | $49–$115 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,343–$4,078 | $816–$1,644 | $61–$158 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Fontana to Riverside move?
The most common extra fees on a Fontana to Riverside move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Fontana to Riverside
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Fontana to Riverside, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 9 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Fontana to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 9 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Fontana guide.
How does Riverside compare to Fontana?
Cost of living: Fontana vs. Riverside
Cost-of-living differences between Fontana and Riverside extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Riverside compares to Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 7.1% |
| Average sales tax | 7.75% | 8.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Fontana and Riverside comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Riverside are 24% lower than in Fontana. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Riverside are about the same as Fontana. Buyers can plan a comparable mortgage and equity timeline.
- Average income in Riverside is 10% lower than Fontana. The shift only nets favorably if local cost of living is meaningfully cheaper.
- Living expenses for one person in Riverside are 13% lower than Fontana. Use the gap to accelerate financial goals you previously delayed.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Riverside is 18% lower than Fontana. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
- Unemployment in Riverside runs 7% lower than Fontana. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales tax in Riverside runs 13% higher than Fontana. Time large purchases before the move if logistics allow.
If you live on $3,000 a month in Fontana, you'd need roughly $2,610 to maintain the same lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Fontana vs. Riverside
Life in Riverside compared to Fontana differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Fontana | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 40.24 |
- Riverside is 49% larger in size than Fontana. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- Fontana and Riverside both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer highs in Riverside (94°F) match Fontana (94°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Fontana (43°F) and Riverside (42°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Fontana (14 inches) and Riverside (11 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Fontana and Riverside is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Riverside (40.24) is higher than Fontana (31.65). Property crime risk and home insurance premiums may both run higher.
Things to do in Riverside
Riverside offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Riverside
- March Field Air Museum
- Mission Inn Museum
- Riverside Art Museum
- Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
- Heritage House
Parks in Riverside
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Fairmount Park
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
- Ryan Bonaminio Park
- Hunter Park
Sports teams in Riverside
- California Baptist Lancers (College sports)
- UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)
- Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball
Universities in Riverside
- California Baptist University
- California Southern Law Schoo
- La Sierra University
- National University
- Riverside City College
Final verdict: best movers from Fontana to Riverside
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Fontana to Riverside, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $39–$4,078 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Fontana to Riverside
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to Riverside?
A full-service move from Fontana to Riverside costs $357–$1,179 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $827 to $2,707, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Fontana to Riverside costs from $1,343 to $4,078.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to Riverside?
Moving containers from Fontana to Riverside cost $112–$790 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $368 and $1,109. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $816–$1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to Riverside?
A rental moving truck from Fontana to Riverside costs $41–$101 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $49–$115. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $61–$158.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-Riverside movers?
Book your movers for a Fontana to Riverside move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside?
The cheapest moving deals to Riverside fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
