Key factors that impact the cost of your Tulsa to Riverside movetoggle

The cost of Tulsa movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Tulsa to Riverside (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,424, while larger moves may reach $9,885 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Tulsa.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $978 to $2,461, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tulsa to Riverside

Moving from Tulsa 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 Tulsa than in Riverside, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tulsa compares to Riverside so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tulsa Riverside
Average rent cost $1,199 $2,295
Average home value $199,876 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $52,438 $76,755
Cost of living (single person) $2,700 $2,573
Cost of living (family of 4) $2,850 $5,604
Unemployment rate 4.7% 7.1%
Sales tax 8.52% 8.75%
State income tax 4.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Riverside are 91% higher than in Tulsa, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tulsa.
    Home prices in Riverside are 221.3% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Income in Riverside is 46.4% higher than in Tulsa, 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 4.7% lower than in Tulsa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Riverside, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 96.6% higher than in Tulsa.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 51.06% higher than in Tulsa.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Riverside are 2.70% higher than in Tulsa.
  • State income taxes in Riverside are 180.00% higher than in Tulsa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,858.89 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tulsa.

How life is different in Tulsa vs. Riverside

Riverside Tulsa
Population 317,261 413,066
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 43 39
Bike friendliness score 49 47
Crime Index 40.24 51.94
Safety Index 59.76 48.06
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 23% less than Tulsa.
  • Riverside offers better access to buses and trains than Tulsa, based on public transportation ratings. Riverside has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Tulsa. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Riverside means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tulsa. Riverside is considered more walkable than Tulsa, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 39 out of 100 in Tulsa. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Riverside and Tulsa are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 49 and 47 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Riverside has a lower crime rate than Tulsa based on scores of 40.24 and Tulsa's 51.94, 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 Tulsa, based on Riversideโ€™s safety index of 59.76 versus 48.06 for Tulsa. 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 isnโ€™t as good as it is in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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 regulationsโ€”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 โ€œT 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™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 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 youโ€™ve 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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโ€™s time to see what Riverside is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Riverside include museums and art centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and Heritage House.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tulsa to Riverside?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tulsa to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tulsa are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tulsa to Riverside?

With many people choosing to move from Tulsa 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 Tulsa to Riverside take?

Moving from Tulsa, OK to Riverside, CA covers 1,398 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Tulsa movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources