Moving from Riverside to Sacramento, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Sacramento costs between $472 to $9,175 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 435-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Sacramento
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Sacramento are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Riverside to driving and unloading in Sacramento, 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 435 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,274 - $5,801 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,466 - $2,628 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $484 - $961 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $75/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 Riverside to Sacramento?
It costs between $472 to $9,175 to move from Riverside to Sacramento. The prices below break down your 435-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,311 - $9,175
- Moving containers: $1,102 - $3,396
- Rental trucks: $472 - $1,215
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,311 - $4,461 | $1,102 - $1,906 | $472 - $860 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,274 - $5,801 | $1,466 - $2,628 | $484 - $961 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,072 - $9,175 | $1,872 - $3,396 | $614 - $1,215 |
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 | $393 - $3,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $262 - $1,048 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $66 - $262 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Riverside to Sacramento
At 435 miles, your Riverside to Sacramento 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 Riverside to Sacramento. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 435 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside to Sacramento. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento to Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Sacramento
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Sacramento
When comparing the cost of living between Riverside and Sacramento, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Sacramento stacks up against Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $1,899 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $483,739 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $83,753 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 7.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.75% |
- Rent in Sacramento is about 17% cheaper than in Riverside, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Sacramento are 10% lower than in Riverside, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- You’ll find that income levels in Riverside and Sacramento are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Sacramento and Riverside. That means your move should have minimal financial impact, assuming your income stays the same.
- Living costs here run about 10% higher than in Riverside. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Sacramento one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Sacramento is 8% higher than in Riverside. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Sacramento and Riverside, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,090 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Riverside.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Sacramento
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Sacramento vs. Riverside. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Riverside | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 524,943 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 49.21 |
Sacramento sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Sacramento is around 65% bigger than Riverside. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both Riverside and Sacramento voted Democratic.
- Both Sacramento and Riverside average summer highs close to 93°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Riverside and Sacramento experience similar winter lows, with Riverside reaching 42°F and Sacramento getting down to 39°F.
- Sacramento typically gets more rain than Riverside, with an average annual rainfall of 20 inches compared to Riverside’s 11 inches.
- Both Riverside and Sacramento receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Sacramento has a higher crime rate than Riverside, with a crime index of 49.21 vs 40.24.
Things to do in Sacramento
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Sacramento has you covered.
Museums in Sacramento
- California State Railroad Museum
- Crocker Art Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Old Sacramento
- California Automobile Museum
Parks in Sacramento
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
- Capitol Park
- William Land Park
- McKinley Park
- American River Parkway
Sports teams in Sacramento
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
- Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)
Universities in Sacramento
- California State University-Sacramento
- Epic Bible College
- MTI College
- Asher College
- Carrington College-Sacramento
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Riverside to Sacramento?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Riverside to Sacramento, expect to pay between $1,352 and $3,913 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $2,274 and $5,801. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $4,072 up to $9,175 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Sacramento?
If you’re moving from Riverside to Sacramento and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $749 and go up to $1,946. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,466 and $2,628. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,872 and $3,396.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Sacramento?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $458 to $819. A larger move will cost $484 to $961, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Riverside to Sacramento costs from $614 to $1,215.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Sacramento movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Riverside to Sacramento at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Riverside-to-Sacramento movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sacramento?
To save money on your move to Sacramento, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
