Newark, NJ to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

• Your monthly budgeting won't require significant modification when moving from Newark to Riverside, as rent prices are comparably stable.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 35% higher in Riverside than in Newark.
• Great news! You'll find the average income is about 86% higher in Riverside compared to Newark, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Riverside and Newark, you shouldn't see much difference.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Riverside and Newark, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• Riverside experiences an unemployment rate that is about 45% lower than that of Newark. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 32% higher in Riverside than in Newark. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 24% higher in California compared to New Jersey. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Riverside's population is within about 5% of Newark, so they’re very similar in size.
• Riverside's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Newark's score of 9.
• Riverside is less walkable than Newark with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Newark's 76 out of 100.
• Both Riverside and Newark have similar bike-friendliness scores (51 vs 49), meaning Riverside is about as safe for cyclists as Newark. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Riverside's crime rate is lower than Newark with a score of 40.24 compared to Newark's 75.24. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Newark neighborhoods are safer than 75.24%.
• Riverside is considered to be safer than Newark with a safety index of 59.76 vs Newark's 24.76.
• Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Newark it's Good.

• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Riverside smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Riverside is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Riverside offers cultural landmarks like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.