Best Tucson to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Tucson to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 435 mile move from Arizona to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Tucson to Riverside moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Tucson compared to Riverside. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Tucson to Riverside Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Terry Moving & Storage | 9.36 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Moving Buddies Tucson AZ | 9.05 | 9.23 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Get Your Move On, LLC | 9.03 | 8.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Abba & Sons Moving LLC | 8.90 | 9.2 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Tucson to Riverside
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 435 miles from Tucson, AZ to Riverside, CA will cost on average $2,151 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Tucson to Riverside move is roughly $5,148. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,449 | 300 ft³ | 4.83 |
1 Bedroom | $2,151 | 450 ft³ | 4.78 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,548 | 750 ft³ | 4.73 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,148 | 1100 ft³ | 4.68 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,409 | 1600 ft³ | 4.63 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,245 | 1800 ft³ | 4.58 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Tucson guide.
Compare the 5 Best Tucson to Riverside Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |

Terry Moving & Storage
25958 Commercentre Dr
Lake Forest, CA, 92630
About Terry Moving & Storage
Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...
Services
- Local Move
- Interstate Move
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 649215 / 306297 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
Registered Drivers | 11 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 315,000 (2022) |

Moving Buddies Tucson AZ
5502 E 25th St
Tucson, AZ, 85711
About Moving Buddies Tucson AZ
Since 2011, this family-owned moving company has been building a reputation in Tucson, AZ, for excellence, professionalism, and integrity. Moving Buddies...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3531262 / 1542042 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,000 (2022) |

Get Your Move On, LLC
1430 E Hadley St # 110
Phoenix, AZ, 85034
About Get Your Move On, LLC
This family-owned and operated moving company has been helping Phoenix, AZ residents move since 2005. Get Your Move On was founded...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1885055 / 990813 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
Registered Drivers | 19 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 350,000 (2023) |

Abba & Sons Moving LLC
237 W Fort Lowell Rd
Tucson, AZ, 85705
About Abba & Sons Moving LLC
Based in Tucson, Abba and Sons Moving is a family-owned company that serves all of Southern Arizona with residential and commercial...
Services
- Home/Apartment Moving Services
- Moving and Packing Services
- Specializing in homes, offices, apartments
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1921793 / 32280 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Tucson vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison between Tucson, AZ & Riverside, CA neighborhoods . This guide will help you find a new neighborhood in Riverside that shares the charm and characteristics of your beloved Tucson area.
Tucson | Riverside | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Sam Hughes | Wood Streets | Historic homes, close-knit community feel |
Armory Park | Downtown Riverside | Rich history, arts, and culture |
Catalina Foothills | Alessandro Heights | Scenic views, upscale living |
Rita Ranch | Orangecrest | Family-friendly, modern amenities |
Sabino Canyon | Sycamore Canyon Park | Outdoor activities, natural beauty |
El Encanto | Victoria | Historic charm, prestigious homes |
Dove Mountain | Canyon Crest | Quiet neighborhoods, golf courses |
Tanque Verde | Hawarden Hills | Spacious properties, natural surroundings |
Midvale Park | La Sierra | Affordable living, community parks |
Barrio Historico | Heritage Square | Cultural heritage, vibrant community events |
If you adore the eclectic charm and historic vibes of Sam Hughes with its unique homes and local restaurants like The Dish, you'll find a similar atmosphere in the Wood Streets of Riverside, where homes with character line the streets, and community events keep neighbors connected. For outdoor enthusiasts accustomed to the breathtaking landscapes of Sabino Canyon, Sycamore Canyon Park offers trails and vistas that rival your favorite hikes. Meanwhile, if the upscale and tranquil lifestyle of Catalina Foothills appeals to you, Alessandro Heights will satisfy with its luxurious homes and panoramic views. Riverside's neighborhoods blend the familiar with the new, providing a welcoming environment for Tucson transplants.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Tucson to Riverside
Moving between cities can be a life-changing decision. In this guide, we aim to provide an honest comparison to help you weigh the pros and cons of relocating from Tucson, AZ to Riverside, CA. Evaluating both sides will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how your life might change for better or worse.
- Higher summer heat
- Smaller cultural scene
- Less job opportunities
- Limited nightlife
- Milder summers
- Larger cultural offerings
- More job options
- Vibrant nightlife
- Higher cost of living
- More urbanized
- More congested
- Fewer nature trails
- Lower cost of living
- Beautiful desert landscapes
- Close-knit community feel
- Easy access to outdoor activities
The vibrant shift from Tucson's quiet, sprawling desert vistas to Riverside’s bustling urban landscape marks a significant change. For instance, leaving behind the awe-inspiring Saguaro National Park means gaining proximity to Riverside's historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Mission Inn), a landmark with rich cultural events. The cool retreats into Mount Lemmon will be replaced with exploring the eclectic mix of restaurants and shops in Riverside’s Downtown, such as the famous Tio's Tacos (Tio's Tacos). Moreover, transitioning from a smaller Tucson community to Riverside’s more populous environment offers greater job opportunities and networking possibilities, adapting your lifestyle to more dynamic and diverse experiences within Riverside's acclaimed neighborhoods like the Wood Streets and the Market Night in downtown, where the local culture really comes alive.
Tucson vs. Riverside Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Tucson & Riverside shines a light on the food cultures of both cities, helping you grasp the gastronomic delights awaiting in your new neighborhood. Knowing what culinary experiences are in store can significantly enhance your relocation adventure.
Tucson | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Sonoran hot dog | California burrito |
Most popular meat dish | Carne asada | Tri-tip steak |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan tamales | Vegan bowls |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Tucson to Riverside, you'll notice that both cities maintain a strong and vibrant food culture, though with distinct local flavors. Tucson is famous for its Sonoran hot dog—a unique twist on the American classic, found in numerous food trucks and eateries around the city, especially in the Downtown area. In contrast, Riverside offers the California burrito, embodying the state's culinary ethos with its inclusion of french fries inside the burrito—a favorite in locales such as the Mission Inn Restaurant. Both cities boast a vibrant street food scene with tacos reigning supreme, reflecting the rich Mexican culinary influence in the region. Vegan options are plentiful, with Tucson's The Tasteful Kitchen and Riverside's Anchos Southwest Grill providing innovative plant-based dishes. For food enthusiasts, these cities offer diverse and rich dining scenes, reflecting their unique cultural and geographic settings.
Tucson vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison
Relocating can be an adventure, especially when it comes to finding new favorite spots to dine. Understanding the importance of food in making a new area feel like home, this comparison of top restaurants in Tucson to their Riverside counterparts is designed to ease your transition. Let this guide be your culinary compass as you embark on your journey from Tucson, AZ, to Riverside, CA.
Tucson | Riverside | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
El Charro Café | Mi Tortilla Mexican Grill | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a similar family-owned vibe. |
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar | BBQ District | Offers an upscale dining experience with high-quality meats and an extensive wine list. |
Café Poca Cosa | Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar | Unique Southwestern flavors with a creative twist on traditional dishes. |
The B Line | Simple Simon's | Casual eatery with hearty portions and a focus on fresh, local ingredients. |
Penca | Las Campanas | Offers a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine, echoing Penca's upscale vibe. |
Prep & Pastry | Crème de la Crème Bakery | Known for brunch excellence and artisan baked goods, similar to Prep & Pastry's beloved fare. |
Seis Kitchen | Tío's Tacos | A local favorite for authentic street-style Mexican food, mirroring Seis Kitchen's approach. |
REILLY Craft Pizza & Drink | Woodfire Café | A spot for artisan pizzas and craft beverages, offering a similar modern dining experience. |
Senae Thai Bistro | Thai Bay Café | Authentic Thai cuisine that focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, akin to Senae Thai Bistro. |
BOCA Tacos y Tequila | Mezcal Cantina y Cocina | Celebrates innovative taco dishes and a wide tequila selection, reminiscent of BOCA's specialties. |
For those who hold a special place in their heart for authentic Mexican fare, making the transition from Tucson to Riverside will be seamless when you discover Mi Tortilla Mexican Grill, a Riverside gem that captures the essence of El Charro Café's authentic dishes and family atmosphere. Meanwhile, steak enthusiasts who frequent Fleming's in Tucson can find solace in BBQ District's premium cuts and refined dining experience in Riverside. If your breakfast and brunch outings in Tucson often lead you to Prep & Pastry, you'll be delighted by Crème de la Crème Bakery, where the attention to quality ingredients and craftsmanship in every dish echoes your favorite Tucson morning spots. These carefully considered Riverside eateries are not just about replicating a meal but about continuing a tradition of excellence and enjoyment in your new city.

Ready to start your move?
Tucson vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your moving decision, making it crucial to understand how Tucson and Riverside stack up in terms of housing. This comparison delves into vital aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Explore how these two cities compare to make an informed decision on your next move.
Comparison | Tucson | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Spanish Revival |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views, outdoor living spaces | Historic neighborhoods, access to parks |
When analyzing housing between Tucson and Riverside, several key factors stand out. Tucson boasts more affordable housing options, both in terms of median home prices and monthly rent, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. Its typical Spanish Colonial architecture adds to the city's charm, offering unique aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, Tucson's higher walkability and bikeability scores suggest a more active lifestyle is within reach, complemented by beautiful mountain views and generous outdoor living spaces. On the other hand, Riverside, while pricier, offers an enriching urban lifestyle with its historic neighborhoods and abundant parks, appealing to those who value cultural richness and community amenities. Choosing between these cities depends on what aspects of housing and lifestyle you prioritize.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA
1. Downtown Riverside: Known for its welcoming environment, Downtown Riverside boasts multiple dog-friendly establishments like Lakeside to Brambles, a specialized pet spa that offers grooming, therapy, and consultation services for your furry friends.
2. Wood Streets: This neighborhood is perfect for those who love to take regular strolls with their pets, thanks to its peaceful streets, beautiful architecture, and Wood Streets Green Team's community garden that includes dog-friendly spaces.
3. Canyon Crest: Canyon Crest stands out with its City of Riverside parks and recreational facilities such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, known for pet-friendly walking paths and trails where you can enjoy outdoor activities with your pets.
Tucson vs. Riverside Weather Considerations
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to comprehend how the weather will differ. This guide aims to compare Tucson with Riverside regarding climate and atmospheric conditions, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home environment.
Tucson, AZ
Riverside, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tucson, AZ
Riverside, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tucson, AZ
Riverside, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tucson, AZ
Riverside, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Tucson | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Heat waves, Flash floods | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Tucson to Riverside, you'll find a slight decrease in summer highs, making Riverside's summers somewhat more comfortable. Riverside also experiences a minor elevation in humidity and annual rainfall, which can make the air feel fresher but might contribute to different seasonal allergies than you're used to in Tucson. One of the significant differences is the natural disasters prevalent in each area; while Tucson primarily deals with heat waves and flash floods, Riverside's concerns revolve around earthquakes and wildfires. This shift necessitates a need for preparedness in new ways. Despite these differences, both cities boast plenty of sunshine year-round, promising ample days to enjoy outdoor activities in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tucson to Riverside
When moving from one place to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial differences between your current and future home. This comparison aims at shedding light on the variances in money and finance when considering a move from Tucson, AZ to Riverside, CA, helping you to better prepare for the changes ahead.
Comparison | Tucson | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $50,306 | $76,558 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.5 | 112.5 |
State Income Tax | 2.59 to 4.50 | 1.00 to 13.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.72 | 0.79 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.7 | 8.0 |
Top 3 Industries | Defense & Space, Education, Health Services | Manufacturing, Warehousing, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Considerable |
The table above highlights some of the key financial differences between Tucson, AZ, and Riverside, CA. For instance, Riverside boasts a higher average household income but also comes with a significantly higher cost of living index. This implies that while you might earn more, living expenses are similarly elevated. Additionally, the variance in state income tax rates, from a broad range in California to a narrower, albeit slightly lower range in Arizona, could affect your take-home pay. The primary industries in each city indicate the economic drivers and potential employment opportunities you may find, which could be a factor in your decision-making process. It's also worth considering the nuances of affordability, poverty, and homelessness rates, as they offer insight into the socioeconomic fabric of each city.
Tucson vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison
In considering a move from Tucson, AZ to Riverside, CA, it's essential to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This quick overview provides a comparison of the politics between Tucson & Riverside alongside a glimpse into the religious landscapes of both cities, offering you a snapshot of the local populations.
Tucson | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | Progressive on social issues | Moderate with some conservative leanings |
Religion | Mix of Catholic, Protestant, and Non-Affiliated | Mix of Protestant, Catholic, and Non-Affiliated |
Tucson and Riverside both share a Democratic leaning in their political makeup, highlighting a potentially smooth transition for you in terms of political environment. However, the local political scene varies slightly, with Tucson tending to be more progressive, particularly on social issues, while Riverside presents a more moderate stance, occasionally leaning towards conservative positions. When considering religious affiliations, both cities boast a diverse religious landscape, yet the distribution amongst different faiths varies, reflecting the unique cultural makeup of each city. Understanding these nuances will help you better integrate into your new community.
Tucson vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Tucson, AZ to Riverside, CA, it's vital to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities. This guide helps you navigate what your daily commute might look like, setting expectations for life in a new city.
Comparison | Tucson | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 31 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Possibly, with some planning | Challenging |
In Tucson, the average commute time is shorter and traffic congestion significantly less than in Riverside, making daily travel more manageable. While Tucson does offer a fair availability of public transit, navigating Riverside without a car can be more challenging, necessitating reliance on a vehicle for most travel needs. This direct comparison hints at a lifestyle adjustment, especially in planning your daily commute and considering if living closer to work or public transit options is a necessity when moving to Riverside.



Additional Resources
Tucson Moving Services
Popular Tucson to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources