Key factors that impact the cost of your Port St. Lucie to Riverside movetoggle

The cost of Port St. Lucie movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Port St. Lucie to Riverside (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,362, while larger moves may reach $11,876 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Port St. Lucie.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,771 to $4,612, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Port St. Lucie to Riverside

Moving from Port St. Lucie to Riverside comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Riverside is generally more expensive than Port St. Lucie, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Port St. Lucie Riverside
Average rent cost $2,630 $2,295
Average home value $391,763 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $68,647 $76,755
Cost of living (single person) $2,443 $2,573
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,537 $5,604
Unemployment rate 4.9% 7.1%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.75%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Riverside are 13% lower than in Port St. Lucie, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Port St. Lucie.
    Home prices in Riverside are 64.0% higher than in Port St. Lucie.
  • Income in Riverside is 11.8% higher than in Port St. Lucie, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Riverside include Bourns, California Baptist University, and Riverside County Office of Education.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Riverside, since the cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 5.3% higher than in Port St. Lucie. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Riverside, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 1.2% higher than in Port St. Lucie.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 44.90% higher than in Port St. Lucie.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Riverside are 25.00% higher than in Port St. Lucie.
  • State income taxes in Riverside are 13.30% higher than in Port St. Lucie.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,159.64 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Port St. Lucie.

How life is different in Port St. Lucie vs. Riverside

Riverside Port St. Lucie
Population 317,261 204,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 1
Walkability score 43 13
Bike friendliness score 49 36
Crime Index 40.24 35.03
Safety Index 59.76 64.97
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of Riverside is about 55% greater than Port St. Lucie, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Riverside offers better access to buses and trains than Port St. Lucie, based on public transportation ratings. Riverside has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 1 in Port St. Lucie. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Riverside means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Port St. Lucie. Riverside is considered more walkable than Port St. Lucie, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 13 out of 100 in Port St. Lucie. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Riverside is considered more bike-friendly than Port St. Lucie in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, while Port St. Lucie is rated as 36 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Riverside is higher than in Port St. Lucie, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 40.24 in Riverside, it is 35.03 in Port St. Lucie. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Riverside. With a crime index of 59.76, Riverside ranks lower in overall safety than Port St. Lucie, whose index is Port St. Lucie's 64.97. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Riverside isnโ€™t as good as it is in Port St. Lucie, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Riverside has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Port St. Lucie is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Port St. Lucie vs. Riverside move

  • Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Riverside. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Riverside

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Arts and Innovation", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Riverside.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Canyon Crest
  • Victoria
  • Downtown
  • Magnolia Center
  • La Sierra South

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Orangecrest
  • Mission Grove
  • Canyon Crest
  • Alessandro Heights
  • Victoria

Things to do in Riverside

Now that you've made the move to California, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Riverside. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Riverside, such as the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and Heritage House.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Port St. Lucie to Riverside?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Port St. Lucie to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Port St. Lucie are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Port St. Lucie to Riverside?

With many people choosing to move from Port St. Lucie to Riverside in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Port St. Lucie to Riverside take?

Moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Riverside, CA covers 2,569 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Port St. Lucie movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources