($1,414) Movers From Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Chicago to Riverside

Moving from Chicago to Riverside means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Riverside, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Riverside so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Riverside are 12% higher than in Chicago, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Riverside are 117.2% higher than in Chicago.
• Income in Riverside is 7.3% higher than in Chicago, 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.
• The cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 29.5% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 39.5% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 14.63% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,115.95 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Riverside

• Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 88% less than Chicago.
• Getting around Riverside without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Riverside neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Riverside isn’t as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Riverside, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Riverside earned a 49. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in Riverside is higher than in Chicago, 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 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Riverside than in Chicago, based on Riverside’s safety index of 59.76 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Riverside isn’t as good as it is in Chicago, 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 “T Number” 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 – 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.

Helpful moving resources