($1,544+) Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $1,544 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,496 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,739 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,429, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,496 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,923 - $6,606, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,544 - $4,032.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,507 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 Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Jersey City to Riverside: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,507 - $6,988. Containers cost roughly 31% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 55% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,739 miles, expect 7 to 21 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,739-mile route from Jersey City to Riverside, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,429 - $5,462 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,923 - $3,773), rental truck ($1,544 - $3,049), or freight trailer ($1,646 - $3,395). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,507 - $6,988 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,496.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA
For the 2,739-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Riverside, California, full-service movers cost between $2,429 and $11,496. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $409 - $2,728 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Jersey City generally start around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,429 - $5,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,507 - $6,988
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,530 - $11,496
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 Jersey City to Riverside.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $682 - $6,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $273 - $1,637/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $409 - $3,274 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,364 - $4,092 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,410 - $13,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,022 - $1,941 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,364 - $3,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,091 - $4,774 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $409 - $2,046 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $887 - $2,728 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $409 - $20,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $409 - $4,774+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Riverside?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Jersey City, NJ. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,923 and $6,606. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Jersey City runs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,923 - $3,773
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,420 - $4,999
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,303 - $6,606
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $955 in Jersey City, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $102 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $205 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Riverside, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey 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 $1,923. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,420 - $4,999.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,739-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Riverside, California, costs between $1,544 and $4,032, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,189 - $1,359
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Jersey City to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,544 - $3,049
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,575 - $3,596
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,113 - $4,032
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,544 - $4,032 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Jersey City to Riverside. Fuel ($1,189 - $1,359), lodging at around $205/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $955.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,189 - $1,359 for the 2,739-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 $82 and $443, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $205 per night for hotel stops on the 2,739-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $409 - $614.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City 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 Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Riverside, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,228 and $4,285.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,646 - $3,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,897 - $4,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,643 - $5,397
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $102 - $205 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, typically costs $955.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Jersey City to Riverside, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ vs Riverside, CA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Jersey City and Riverside to plan around. Cost of living index: 140 vs. 131. Average rent: $2,975/mo vs. $2,295/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 87 vs. 43. Safety index: 56.79 vs. 59.76.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 315 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 2,739-mile move.
Our take
The 2,739-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to Riverside, CA, costs between $2,429 and $11,496 with full-service movers, $1,923 - $6,606 with a moving container, and $1,544 - $4,032 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,507 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, 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 56.79 and 43.21 in Jersey City. 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 Jersey City, NJ 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 $1,575 - $3,596. 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 Jersey City, NJ to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/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 Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.