Quick answer: The cost to move from Philadelphia to Riverside ranges from $2,000 to $9,642 and the journey will take approximately seven to 21 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,676-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Riverside to Philadelphia guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Philadelphia to Riverside
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Philadelphia to Riverside isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to CA move
Local movers servicing Philadelphia to Riverside moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Philadelphia that also provides long-distance services to Riverside can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Philadelphia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Philadelphia to Riverside.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- BR Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 39PM00121400
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8916888
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2508433
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Riverside?
Philadelphia movers charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,503 - $6,829 | $1,688 - $4,160 | $1,938 - $3,614 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,672 - $9,642 | $3,148 - $6,183 | $2,000 - $4,216 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,526 - $14,501 | $4,382 - $9,032 | $2,680 - $5,174 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California
Planning a move from Pennsylvania to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,503 and $6,829. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,672 and $9,642 for the same journey (PA to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,526 to $14,501.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California
Moving from Pennsylvania to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,688 and $4,160. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,148 to $6,183. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,382 up to $9,032. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,938 and $3,614 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,000 to $4,216. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,680 to $5,174.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Philadelphia to Riverside move
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Riverside
Moving from Philadelphia to Riverside comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Riverside is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,295 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $642,297 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $76,755 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,573 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $5,604 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Riverside, since prices are typically 35% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The home prices in Riverside are 196.1% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Riverside, where incomes are, on average, 8.5% higher than in Philadelphia. Major employers in Riverside include Bourns, California Baptist University, and Riverside County Office of Education.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Riverside, since the cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 1.3% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Riverside can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 9.5% less than what it costs in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is 33.02% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Riverside, since its sales taxes are 9.38% higher than what you are paying in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Riverside are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,037.78 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Riverside
Riverside | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 317,261 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 43 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 67 |
Crime Index | 40.24 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 59.76 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 80% less than Philadelphia.
- Getting around Riverside without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Philadelphia is ranked 9. 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 Philadelphia. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Riverside isn't as walkable as Philadelphia, which has a score of 75 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 Philadelphia. While Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 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 Philadelphia based on scores of 40.24 and Philadelphia's 66.09, 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 Philadelphia, based on Riverside's safety index of 59.76 versus 33.91 for Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia vs. Riverside move
- Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Riverside. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Riverside
Ready to relocate to City of Arts and Innovation? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Riverside.
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 it's the perfect time to explore Riverside From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Riverside is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and Heritage House.
- 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: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an California Baptist Lancers (College sports), UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports), or Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Riverside?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Philadelphia to Riverside. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Riverside?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Riverside moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Riverside take?
Covering 2,676 miles, the move from Philadelphia, PA to Riverside, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Riverside can help bridge the gap.