($1,644) Movers From Chattanooga, TN to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Riverside

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

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

• Rent prices in Riverside are 56% higher than in Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga.
  Home prices in Riverside are 112.3% higher than in Chattanooga.
• Income in Riverside is 27.6% higher than in Chattanooga, 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 22.0% lower than in Chattanooga. 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 28.8% higher than in Chattanooga.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 26.79% higher than in Chattanooga.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 5.41% lower than in Chattanooga.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 13.30% higher than in Chattanooga.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,339.09 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Riverside

• The population of Riverside is about 75% greater than Chattanooga, 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.
• Riverside offers better access to buses and trains than Chattanooga, based on public transportation ratings. Riverside has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Chattanooga. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Riverside means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chattanooga. Riverside is considered more walkable than Chattanooga, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 29 out of 100 in Chattanooga. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Riverside is considered more bike-friendly than Chattanooga in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, while Chattanooga is rated as 35 out of 100.
• Riverside has a lower crime rate than Chattanooga based on scores of 40.24 and Chattanooga's 53.89, 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 Chattanooga, based on Riverside’s safety index of 59.76 versus 46.11 for Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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