Moving from Riverside to Ontario, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Ontario costs $41–$3,917, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 20-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 Riverside to Ontario?
Moving from Riverside to Ontario 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 20-mile move:
Moving from Riverside to Ontario costs between $41 and $3,917, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 20-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $794–$2,523 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $395–$1,201 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $50–$115 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $75/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 Riverside to Ontario?
The cost to move from Riverside to Ontario ranges from $41 to $3,917, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 20-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $476–$3,917
- Moving containers: $129–$1,565
- Rental trucks: $41–$160
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 20 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $476–$1,418 | $129–$855 | $41–$95 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $794–$2,523 | $395–$1,201 | $50–$115 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,356–$3,917 | $832–$1,565 | $67–$160 |
*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 Riverside to Ontario move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Riverside to Ontario move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
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 | $75/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 Riverside to Ontario
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Riverside to Ontario, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 20 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 Riverside to Ontario. 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 20 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 Ontario to Riverside guide.
How does Ontario compare to Riverside?
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Ontario
The cost of living in Riverside vs. Ontario is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Ontario measures up against Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $2,619 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $564,076 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $82,806 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $5,793 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
Cost-of-living data for Riverside and Ontario 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 Ontario are 14% higher than in Riverside. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 14% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Ontario are nearly identical to Riverside. Mortgage budgeting carries over directly from your current housing.
- Average income in Ontario is 7% lower than Riverside. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- Daily expenses for one person are about equal in Ontario and Riverside. Existing budgets carry over without adjustment.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 is nearly identical in Ontario and Riverside. Expect childcare, groceries, and healthcare to track at similar levels.
- Unemployment rates are similar in Ontario and Riverside. Job market dynamics carry over.
- Sales taxes are nearly identical in Ontario and Riverside. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Riverside, you'll need about $2,880 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Ontario.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Ontario
A look at how life in Ontario measures up to Riverside covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Riverside | Ontario | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 175,265 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 43ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 50.25 |
- Ontario is roughly 45% smaller in size than Riverside. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- During the last presidential election, both Riverside and Ontario supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer highs in Ontario (92°F) match Riverside (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Riverside (42°F) and Ontario (43°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Riverside (11 inches) and Ontario (16 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Riverside and Ontario is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Ontario (50.25) is higher than Riverside (40.24). Factor home security, insurance, and neighborhood vetting into the relocation budget.
Things to do in Ontario
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Ontario's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Ontario
- Museum of History and Art, Ontario
Parks in Ontario
- Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Sports teams in Ontario
- Ontario Reign (Hockey)
- Ontario Professional Baseball (Dodgers Affiliate - 2026)
Universities in Ontario
- University of La Verne
Final verdict: best movers from Riverside to Ontario
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Riverside to Ontario, 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 $41–$3,917 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 Riverside to Ontario
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to Ontario?
A full-service move from Riverside to Ontario typically costs $364–$1,143 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $794–$2,523. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $1,356 and $3,917 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Ontario?
Moving containers from Riverside to Ontario have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $112 and $782. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $395–$1,201. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $832 to $1,565.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Ontario?
A rental moving truck from Riverside to Ontario costs $37–$95 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $50–$115. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $67–$160.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Ontario movers?
Lock in your movers for a Riverside to Ontario move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Ontario?
The cheapest time of year to move to Ontario is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
