($1,458) Movers From New York City, NY to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from New York City to Riverside

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

Check out how New York City compares to Riverside so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Riverside are 47% lower than in New York City, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Riverside.
  Home prices in Riverside are 14.7% lower than in New York City.
• Income in Riverside is 1.7% lower than in New York City, so you could earn less 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 54.7% lower than in New York City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 62.8% lower than in New York City.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 36.61% lower than in New York City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 9.38% higher than in New York City.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 22.02% higher than in New York City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,358.26 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How life is different in New York City vs. Riverside

• Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 96% less than New York City.
• Getting around Riverside without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. 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 New York City. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Riverside isn’t as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 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 New York City. While New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 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.
• Riverside has a lower crime rate than New York City based on scores of 40.24 and New York City's 50.83, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Riverside than in New York City, based on Riverside’s safety index of 59.76 versus 49.17 for New York City. 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 New York City, 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 New York City 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 New York City 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 regulations—some 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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it\’s 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 – 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 you’ve chosen "City of Arts and Innovation" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Riverside to check out.

Helpful moving resources