($1,421) Movers From Houston, TX to Riverside, CA

What to know before moving from Houston to Riverside

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

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

• Rent prices in Riverside are 48% higher than in Houston, 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 Houston.
  Home prices in Riverside are 143.3% higher than in Houston.
• Income in Riverside is 9.9% higher than in Houston, 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 7.1% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 21.7% lower than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Riverside is 73.17% higher than in Houston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city’s sales taxes in Riverside are 6.06% higher than in Houston.
• State income taxes in Riverside are 13.30% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,786.64 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Riverside

• Riverside might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 86% less than Houston.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Riverside will be about the same as it currently is in Houston. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
• Riverside neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Houston. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Riverside isn’t as walkable as Houston, which has a score of 47 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.
• Riverside and Houston are similarly bike-friendly based on their rating of 49. 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 Houston based on scores of 40.24 and Houston's 63.5, 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 Houston, based on Riverside’s safety index of 59.76 versus 36.5 for Houston. 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 Houston, 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 Houston 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 Houston 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