($1,244) Moving from Chicago to Riverside

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Riverside costs $1,309 to $6,962 and takes five-sixteen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,980-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Riverside to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Riverside moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Riverside is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Riverside.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Riverside?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,244 - $4,742 $1,180 - $3,008 $1,198 - $2,151
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,362 - $6,962 $2,144 - $4,451 $1,309 - $2,695
4+ bedrooms $6,284 - $10,467 $2,965 - $5,596 $1,684 - $3,135
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,980 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Riverside

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Riverside can be as low as $1,244 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,689.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,198 to $3,132. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Riverside?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Riverside will cost between $1,244 to $4,742. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,362 to $6,962, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Riverside will cost from $6,284 to $10,467.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Riverside?

Moving containers from Chicago to Riverside will cost you $1,180 to $3,008 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,144 to $4,451. A larger home will cost $2,965 to $5,596.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Riverside?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,198 to $2,151. A larger move will cost $1,309 to $2,695, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Riverside costs from $1,684 to $3,135. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Riverside

Cost of living: Chicago vs Riverside

Chicago Riverside
Average rent cost $1,595 $2,200
Average home value $306,098 $605,353
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $76,755
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $2,590
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $5,864
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.1%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.75%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Riverside are 38% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Riverside are 97.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Riverside is 17.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Riverside is 158.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 63.6% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Riverside are 14.63% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Riverside are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $7,762.24 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Riverside?

Riverside Chicago
Population 314,998 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 43 77
Bike friendliness score 49 72
Crime Index 40.11 35.19
Safety Index 60.56 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Riverside's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
  • Riverside's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Riverside is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Riverside is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Riverside's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 40.11 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.11% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Riverside is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 60.56 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Riverside is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Riverside

  • Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Riverside. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Riverside

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Arts and Innovation", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Riverside

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Mission Inn Museum
  • Whitewater Preserve
  • California Citrus State Historic Park
  • Riverside National Cemetery
  • University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens
  • Lake Hemet
  • Fairmount PArk
  • Riverside Art Museum
  • Fox Performing Arts Center
  • Castle Park
  • Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
  • Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
  • Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park

Get your sports on!

Riverside is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Riverside?

The best time to move from Chicago to Riverside is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

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

Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Riverside take?

The 1,980-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Riverside, CA, takes five-sixteen days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Riverside.

Helpful moving resources