Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to Riverside move
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Riverside
Moving from Raleigh to Riverside means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Riverside, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Raleigh compares to Riverside so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Raleigh | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,670 | $2,295 |
Average home value | $431,795 | $642,297 |
Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $76,755 |
Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $2,573 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $5,604 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Riverside are 37% higher than in Raleigh, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Raleigh.
Home prices in Riverside are 48.8% higher than in Raleigh. - Income in Riverside is 2,884.3% higher than in Raleigh, 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 57.7% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 7.8% lower than in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is 65.12% higher than in Raleigh.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the cityโs sales taxes in Riverside are 20.69% higher than in Raleigh.
- State income taxes in Riverside are 195.56% higher than in Raleigh.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,270.20 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Riverside
Riverside | Raleigh | |
---|---|---|
Population | 317,261 | 467,665 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 43 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 39 |
Crime Index | 40.24 | 38.87 |
Safety Index | 59.76 | 60.13 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 32% less than Raleigh.
- Riverside offers better access to buses and trains than Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. Riverside has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Riverside means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Raleigh. Riverside is considered more walkable than Raleigh, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Raleigh. A cityโs 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh is rated as 39 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Riverside as Raleigh. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Riverside is generally as safe as Raleigh, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Riverside and Raleigh is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. Riverside move
- Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in California, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toRiverside Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Riverside
Now that youโve chosen "City of Arts and Innovation" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Riverside to check out.
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, itโs the perfect time to explore Riverside. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll 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 cityโs 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 Raleigh to Riverside?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Riverside?
With many people choosing to move from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Riverside take?
Moving from Raleigh, NC to Riverside, CA covers 2,518 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Riverside.