($1,521+) Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $1,598 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,443 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,631 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,378, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,443 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,875 - $7,544, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,598 - $4,218.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,723 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 Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Riverside: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,723 - $7,577. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,631-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,631-mile route from Arlington to Riverside, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,378 for a studio up to $12,443 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,875 - $7,544 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,598 - $4,218, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,688 - $5,862, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA
For the 2,631-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Riverside, California, full-service movers cost between $2,378 and $12,443. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $452 - $3,016 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Arlington generally start around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,378 - $5,849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,723 - $7,577
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,001 - $12,443
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 Arlington to Riverside.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Riverside, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $754 - $7,540 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $302 - $1,810/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $452 - $3,619 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,508 - $4,524 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,770 - $15,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,129 - $2,146 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,508 - $3,770 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,206 - $5,278 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $452 - $2,262 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $980 - $3,016 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $452 - $22,620+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $452 - $5,278+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Riverside?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Arlington, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,875 and $7,544. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Arlington typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,875 - $3,941
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,430 - $5,435
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,419 - $7,544
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA and Riverside, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,056 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $113 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $226 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,875. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,430 - $5,435, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA
Truck rentals from Arlington, Virginia, to Riverside, California, range from $1,598 - $4,218 for the 2,631-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,262 - $1,443
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,598 - $3,007
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,748 - $3,580
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,082 - $4,218
Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to Riverside looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,598 - $4,218. But once you factor in fuel ($1,262 - $1,443) , overnight lodging ($226/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $226 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $98 and $490 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,262 - $1,443 in fuel for the 2,631-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,056 in Arlington, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA to Riverside, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Riverside, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,127 and $4,306.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,688 - $3,209
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,875 - $5,862
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,056.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $113 and $226 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington 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.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Arlington to Riverside. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA 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 Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 131 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 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 Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 2,631-mile move.
Our take
A move from Arlington, VA, 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 $2,378 - $12,443 on the 2,631-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,875 - $7,544, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,598 - $4,218. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,723 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 Arlington, VA, to Riverside, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,262 - $1,443), daily insurance ($45/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $226/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Riverside a safe place to live?
Riverside has a safety index of 59.76 out of 100 and a crime index of 40.24, compared to 79.15 and 15.67 in Arlington. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
