Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Riverside typically costs $4,100–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,631 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Arlington to Riverside

Moving from Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA typically costs $4,100–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,631-mile move from Arlington to Riverside, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,700 - $6,100
  • Moving Container $2,100 - $3,900
  • Rental Truck $1,700 - $3,200
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $4,100 - $7,900
  • Moving Container $2,600 - $5,700
  • Rental Truck $1,900 - $4,000
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $7,800 - $12,400
  • Moving Container $4,000 - $7,800
  • Rental Truck $2,200 - $4,900

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • American Van Lines recently quoted $5,335 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
  • AB Moving recently quoted $3,486 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
  • Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,537 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
American Van Lines
New Baltimore, VA San Bernardino, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 17, 2026
AB Moving
Lake Ridge, VA Jurupa Valley, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Feb 12, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
Burke Centre, VA Beaumont, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Feb 08, 2026
United Van Lines
Vienna, VA Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 17, 2026
1-800-Pack-Rat
Franklin Farm, VA West Puente Valley, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 09, 2026
Safeway Moving
West Springfield, VA Eastvale, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 02, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
Newington, VA Montclair, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 16, 2025
BLVD Moving
Quantico Base, VA Upland, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 15, 2025
Roadway Moving
Kings Park West, VA Laguna Niguel, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 11, 2025
North American Van Lines
Great Falls, VA Buena Park, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025

Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to Riverside move

Your total cost will depend on:

  • Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,700 for a one-bedroom, or up to $12,400 for a four-bedroom.
  • The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Arlington.
  • DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,700 to $4,900, but require more effort than hiring movers.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Riverside, CA to Arlington, VA guide.

Best Arlington to Riverside movers by type

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Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Arlington to Riverside

Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Arlington to Riverside much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best VA→CA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 103 Virginia movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
  • Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
  • Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Arlington to Riverside

Many movers find Riverside easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 63% less for singles and 53% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,573 for one person in Riverside versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $5,604 compared with $11,970.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Arlington Riverside
Average 1 BR rent $2,475 $2,163
Average 3 BR rent $4,350 $3,270
Average home value $810,670 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $128,145 $76,755
Cost of living (single) $6,867 $2,573
Cost of living (family of four) $11,970 $5,604
Unemployment rate 4.0% 7.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.75%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • When relocating from Arlington to Riverside, expect to find rent about 16% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
  • You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 21% more affordable in Riverside compared to Arlington.
  • Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 40% lower in Riverside compared to Arlington.
  • You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Riverside, as the cost of living for a single person is 63% lower compared to Arlington.
  • 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 53% less than what it costs in Arlington.
  • Riverside shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Arlington by around 77%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
  • Sales taxes in Riverside are 46% more than in Arlington, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
  • Income taxes in California are 131% above those in Virginia. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Arlington and Riverside:

Living Expense Arlington Riverside
Basic utilities $208.70 $226.85
Cell phone plan $59.67 $46.50
Dozen eggs $4.26 $5.45
Loaf of bread $4.18 $4.02
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $24.50 $19.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $90.00 $85.00
Gym membership $77.25 $35.00
  • Basic utilities cost less in Arlington than in Riverside, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Arlington than in Riverside.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in Riverside.
  • Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Riverside.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Riverside.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Arlington than in Riverside.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Riverside.

How life is different in Arlington vs. Riverside

Arlington Riverside
Population 238,643 317,261
Transportation score 9 5
Walkability score 71 43
Bike friendliness score 72 49
Crime index 15.67 40.24
Safety index 79.15 59.76
Air quality Good Moderate
  • Riverside's population is about 33% greater than Arlington.
  • Riverside's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
  • Riverside is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
  • Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
  • Riverside's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 40.24 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
  • Riverside is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 59.76 vs Arlington's 79.15.
  • Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Arlington it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Arlington to Riverside move

  • 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
  • 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Riverside. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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

Planning your move to City of Arts and Innovation? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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

After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Riverside has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Riverside features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)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 Arlington to Riverside?

Planning your move from Arlington to Riverside? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Arlington.

When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Riverside?

Because most people are moving from Arlington to Riverside in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Arlington to Riverside take?

The 2,631-mile journey from Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Arlington offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Riverside.

Are there special savings available from movers in Arlington?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 14 extend reduced rates to seniors.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Arlington?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Arlington, 57 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.