($848+) Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $848 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,460 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,383 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,235, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,460 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,379 - $4,645, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $848 - $2,261.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,738 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Dallas to Riverside: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,738 - $6,755. Containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,383 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,383-mile route from Dallas to Riverside, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,235 - $5,221 | $1,379 - $2,574 | $848 - $1,573 | $1,206 - $2,317 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,738 - $6,755 | $1,779 - $3,282 | $962 - $1,968 | $1,313 - $2,792 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,222 - $9,460 | $2,439 - $4,645 | $1,189 - $2,261 | $1,951 - $3,495 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,383-mile relocation from Dallas, Texas, to Riverside, California, cost between $2,235 and $9,460. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $337 - $2,248, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Dallas typically charge a base rate around $179 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,235 - $5,221
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,738 - $6,755
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,222 - $9,460
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Dallas to Riverside.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Dallas movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $562 - $5,620 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $225 - $1,349/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $337 - $2,698 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,124 - $3,372 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,810 - $11,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $842 - $1,599 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $1,124 - $2,810 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $899 - $3,934 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $337 - $1,686 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $731 - $2,248 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $337 - $16,860+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $337 - $3,934+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dallas to Riverside?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Dallas, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,379 and $4,645. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Dallas runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,379 - $2,574
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,779 - $3,282
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,439 - $4,645
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $84 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $169 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Riverside, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $787 in Dallas, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,379. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,779 - $3,282.
What are the best moving containers Dallas to Riverside?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Dallas to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Dallas:
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,383 miles from Dallas, Texas, to Riverside, California, running $848 - $2,261. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $495 - $565
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Dallas daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dallas to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $848 - $1,573
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $962 - $1,968
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,189 - $2,261
Pro tip: The base rate of $848 - $2,261 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Dallas to Riverside. Fuel ($495 - $565), lodging at around $169/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $84 and $393.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $169.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $495 and $565 for the 1,383-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $787 for 2 movers in Dallas, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas to Riverside?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Dallas, Texas, to Riverside, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,012 and $2,792.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,206 - $2,317
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,792
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,951 - $3,495
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $84 - $169 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Dallas, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $787.
What are the best freight companies from Dallas to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Dallas to Riverside, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Dallas on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,774/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $303,018 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $67,760/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 46/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 48.6/100 | 59.76/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside, CA to Dallas, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 803 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,383-mile route.
Our take
A move from Dallas, TX, to Riverside, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,235 - $9,460 on the 1,383-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,379 - $4,645, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $848 - $2,261. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,738 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Dallas, TX, to Riverside, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $962 - $1,968. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($495 - $565), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $169/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Dallas, TX to Riverside, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.