($1,490) Movers From Providence, RI to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Providence to Riverside

Moving from Providence to Riverside comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Riverside is generally more expensive than Providence, 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:

• Rent prices in Riverside are 4% higher than in Providence, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Providence.
  Home prices in Riverside are 61.1% higher than in Providence.
• Income in Riverside is 9.7% higher than in Providence, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Riverside, since the cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 3.2% higher than in Providence. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 3.7% higher than in Providence.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 17.44% lower than in Providence.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 25.00% higher than in Providence.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 122.04% higher than in Providence.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,096.27 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Providence.

How life is different in Providence vs. Riverside

• The population of Riverside is about 66% greater than Providence, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Getting around Riverside without a car might be more difficult than in Providence. Riverside has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Providence is ranked 7. 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 Providence. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Riverside isn’t as walkable as Providence, which has a score of 76 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 Providence. While Providence has a bike-friendliness score of 61 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 Providence based on scores of 40.24 and Providence's 49.84, 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 Providence, based on Riverside’s safety index of 59.76 versus 50.16 for Providence. 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 Providence, 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 Providence 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 Providence vs. Riverside move

• Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Riverside without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Riverside

With your sights set on "City of Arts and Innovation", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources