Moving from Fresno to Riverside, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fresno to Riverside costs between $335 to $6,801 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 269-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fresno to Riverside
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fresno to Riverside are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fresno to driving and unloading in Riverside, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 269 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,893 - $5,324 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,330 - $2,564 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $363 - $709 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Colonial Van & Storage | $135/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fresno to Riverside?
It costs between $335 to $6,801 to move from Fresno to Riverside. The prices below break down your 269-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,195 - $6,801
- Moving containers: $1,030 - $3,116
- Rental trucks: $335 - $852
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 - $4,475 | $1,030 - $1,779 | $335 - $618 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,893 - $5,324 | $1,330 - $2,564 | $363 - $709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,580 - $6,801 | $1,753 - $3,116 | $454 - $852 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $135/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fresno to Riverside
At 269 miles, your Fresno to Riverside move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fresno to Riverside. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 269 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fresno to Riverside. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 84.6% of their 500 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside to Fresno guide.
Considerations when moving from Fresno to Riverside
Cost of living: Fresno vs. Riverside
The cost of living in Fresno vs. Riverside isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Riverside compares to what you’re used to in Fresno.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fresno | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $2,295 |
| Average home cost | $347,152 | $539,898 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,804 | $88,575 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,277 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,358 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.98% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 39% higher than in Fresno, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Riverside are 56% higher than in Fresno, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Riverside, where average income is 33% higher than in Fresno — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 13% higher in Riverside compared to Fresno. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in Riverside as it was in Fresno, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is the same as in Fresno, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Riverside are 10% higher than in Fresno, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Fresno, you’ll need about $3,390 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Riverside.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Riverside
Before you move, check out how life in Riverside measures up to Fresno. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Fresno | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 317,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 11" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 56.85 | 40.24 |
Riverside sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Riverside has roughly 41% fewer people than Fresno. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Fresno and Riverside supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Riverside and Fresno have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Fresno and Riverside—with winter lows around 38°F and 42°F.
- Both Fresno and Riverside see similar yearly rainfall—Fresno averages 13 inches, while Riverside gets 11 inches.
- Both Fresno and Riverside receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Riverside posts a lower crime rate than Fresno, with a crime index of 40.24 compared to Fresno’s 56.85.
Things to do in Riverside
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Riverside has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fresno to Riverside?
Shipping furniture from Fresno to Riverside with a moving company typically costs between $1,055 and $3,596. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,893 to $5,324. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,580 and $6,801 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Fresno to Riverside?
If you’re planning a move from Fresno to Riverside and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $725 and $1,679. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,330 to $2,564. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,753 to $3,116.
How much is a moving truck from Fresno to Riverside?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $339 and $643. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $363 and $709. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Fresno to Riverside, truck rentals usually range from $454 up to $852.
How far in advance should I book Fresno-to-Riverside movers?
To make your move from Fresno to Riverside as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Riverside?
The cheapest time of year to move to Riverside is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
