Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Riversidetoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Riverside can be as low as $1,527 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,446.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,191 to $3,011. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Riverside

Des Moines Riverside
Average rent cost $1,150 $2,295
Average home value $192,347 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $76,755
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,573
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $5,604
Unemployment rate 5.9% 7.1%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.75%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Riverside are 100% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Riverside are 233.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Riverside is 31.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 36.1% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 27.9% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 20.34% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Riverside are 25.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Riverside are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,081.97 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Riverside

Riverside Des Moines
Population 317,261 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 43 45
Bike friendliness score 49 39
Crime Index 40.24 5.0
Safety Index 59.76 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Riverside's population is about 55% less than Des Moines.
  • Riverside's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
  • Riverside is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 49 out of 100, Riverside is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Riverside's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 40.24 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Riverside is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 59.76 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Riverside is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Riversidetoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Riverside has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Riverside is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Riverside?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Riverside is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Riverside?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Riverside in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Riverside take?

The 1,648-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Riverside, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources