($1,085+) St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $1,074 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,187 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,791 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,508, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,187 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,632 - $5,799, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,074 - $3,009.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,224 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Louis to Riverside: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,224 - $7,649. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,791-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,791-mile route from St. Louis to Riverside, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,508 for a studio up to $10,187 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,632 - $5,799 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,074 - $3,009, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,427 - $4,549, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,791-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Riverside, California, with costs ranging from $2,508 - $10,187. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $308 - $2,056. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between St. Louis and Riverside. Local movers in St. Louis typically start around $247 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,508 - $5,186
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,224 - $7,649
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,206 - $10,187
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from St. Louis to Riverside.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Missouri to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Riverside, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing93% of local movers | $514 - $5,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $206 - $1,234/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,467 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs86% of local movers | $1,028 - $3,084 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,570 - $10,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $770 - $1,463 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $1,028 - $2,570 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Arch Moving | $822 - $3,598 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $308 - $1,542 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $668 - $2,056 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,598+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Riverside?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in St. Louis, MO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,632 and $5,799. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in St. Louis costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,632 - $2,876
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,008 - $4,149
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,799 - $5,799
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $154 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Riverside, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $720 in St. Louis, MO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,632. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,008 - $4,149, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis to Riverside?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in St. Louis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in St. Louis:
- Arch Moving (4.7/5), 23 years in business
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 37 years in business
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,791 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Riverside, California, running $1,074 - $3,009. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $586 - $670
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from St. Louis to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,074 - $2,193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,221 - $2,409
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,420 - $3,009
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,074 - $3,009 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Louis to Riverside. Fuel ($586 - $670) , lodging at around $154/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $720.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $586 - $670 for the 1,791-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $334, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $154 per night for hotel stops on the 1,791-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $308 - $463.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Riverside?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA
For larger DIY moves from St. Louis, Missouri, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Riverside, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,574 and $3,187.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,427 - $2,775
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,574 - $3,187
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,128 - $4,549
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $77 and $154.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly five hours typically average $720.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. (4.42/5 stars): Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Riverside quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with St. Louis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $180,206 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $55,279/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 30.35/100 | 59.76/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside, CA to St. Louis, MO guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Missouri alone has 54 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,791-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from St. Louis, MO, to Riverside, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,508 for a studio to $10,187 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,791-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,632 - $5,799. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,074 - $3,009, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,224 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Riverside, CA
Is Riverside a safe place to live?
Riverside has a safety index of 59.76 out of 100 and a crime index of 40.24, compared to 30.35 and 69.65 in St. Louis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,221 - $2,409. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Riverside?
For families, Orangecrest, Mission Grove, and Canyon Crest are worth a look in Riverside. If you're moving solo or without kids, Canyon Crest, Victoria, and Downtown tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in St. Louis?
Local movers based in St. Louis typically start around $247 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Riverside run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
