Best Riverside to Tucson Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Riverside to Tucson and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 435 mile move from California to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Riverside to Tucson 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 Riverside compared to Tucson. 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.

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Best Riverside to Tucson Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
3Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For PropertyContact
4Moving Buddies Tucson AZ9.059.23Authorized For HHGContact
5Get Your Move On, LLC9.038.37Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Riverside to Tucson

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 435 miles from Riverside, CA to Tucson, AZ will cost on average $2,151 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Riverside to Tucson 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,449300 ft³4.83
1 Bedroom$2,151450 ft³4.78
2 Bedrooms$3,548750 ft³4.73
3 Bedrooms$5,1481100 ft³4.68
4 Bedrooms$7,4091600 ft³4.63
5+ Bedrooms$8,2451800 ft³4.58
*Please note: These California to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Arizona. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to AZ mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tucson to Riverside guide.

Compare the 5 Best Riverside to Tucson Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Moving Buddies Tucson AZ Logo

Moving Buddies Tucson AZ

Exceptional9.05/10
based on 1,762+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3531262 / 1542042

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Get Your Move On, LLC Logo

Get Your Move On, LLC

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 1,564+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1885055 / 990813

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers19
Total Annual Miles Moved350,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Riverside vs. Tucson Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating from one city to another, it's helpful to understand your new environment by comparing it to what you're familiar with. This guide is aimed at helping you acquaint yourself with Tucson, AZ by comparing the local neighborhoods to those in Riverside, CA. By identifying the similarities between neighborhoods in both cities, we hope to make your transition smoother and more exciting.

RiversideTucsonHow They're Similar
Wood StreetsSam HughesHistoric homes, walkable
Canyon CrestCatalina FoothillsScenic views, upscale
Mission GroveOro ValleyFamily-friendly, recreational parks
Alessandro HeightsSabino CanyonExclusive, natural surroundings
OrangecrestRita RanchGrowing community, good schools
VictoriaEl EncantoHistoric, upscale ambiance
La SierraBear CanyonPeaceful, access to amenities
Hawarden HillsStarr PassSecluded, luxury homes
Magnolia CenterArmory ParkCentral location, rich history
GrandDunbar SpringArtsy, vibrant community

When you explore these neighborhoods further, you'll find unique local gems that define each area's charm and community spirit. For example, in Sam Hughes, Tucson, you have the historic Himmel Park, perfect for morning jogs and family picnics, mirroring the community-oriented atmosphere of Wood Streets in Riverside. Similarly, food enthusiasts moving from Orangecrest will appreciate the burgeoning dining scene in Rita Ranch, including popular spots like Arizona Family Restaurant for a casual family dinner. On the flip side, those accustomed to the upscale shopping and dining in Alessandro Heights will find a seamless transition to the luxury experiences offered around Sabino Canyon in Tucson, with exclusive boutiques and fine dining options. These parallels in neighborhood vibes, amenities, and lifestyles are what make the adjustment to a new city like Tucson feel like you're just discovering a new part of home.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Riverside to Tucson

Moving from Riverside, CA to Tucson, AZ involves weighing the advantages against the disadvantages to ensure a balanced decision. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through carefully designed charts, we will highlight the critical aspects that define living quality in both cities to better aid in your decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • More traffic congestion
  • Smog and air pollution
  • Less desert landscape
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Clearer skies
  • More desert beauty
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Farther from major cities
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less urban variety
  • More limited dining
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Close to LA
  • Better job opportunities
  • More urban activities
  • Diverse dining options

Relocating from Riverside, CA to Tucson, AZ, presents a significant shift in lifestyle, notably in terms of living costs and environmental quality. Tucson enjoys a lower cost of living, which can be especially noticeable in housing and everyday expenses—allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on a budget. Additionally, the move to Tucson brings one closer to stunning desert landscapes and clearer skies, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. While Riverside boasts proximity to Los Angeles, offering a plethora of job opportunities and a vibrant urban life, Tucson provides a more laid-back atmosphere, albeit with fewer big-city amenities. Despite Tucson's quieter dining scene, establishments like El Charro Café, known for its Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, and the iconic San Xavier del Bac Mission for cultural exploration, ensure that Tucson is not without its charms and attractions.

Riverside vs. Tucson Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is vital to getting a real taste of the culture in a new city. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Riverside, California, and Tucson, Arizona helps you decipher the food scene in both locations, giving you insights into what your new culinary life could be like.

RiversideTucson
Most iconic local food itemCitrus-infused dishesSonoran hot dog
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQCarne asada
Most popular street food itemTacosSonoran hot dog
Most popular vegan foodAvocado toastTofu burritos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Market Broiler
  • Tio's Tacos
  • El Charro Café
  • Poco & Mom's
  • The Cup Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Riverside, you'll find a focus on fresh, local produce, with many dishes featuring the region's famous citrus. The Mission Inn Restaurant, known for its ambiance and local cuisine, epitomizes this with its innovative menus. Over in Tucson, the influence of Mexican cuisine is profound, offering a unique blend of flavors and dishes, such as the iconic Sonoran hot dog, which you can taste at many street corners and specialty spots like El Guero Canelo. Both cities offer vibrant food scenes, but Tucson takes it up a notch with its abundance of food trucks and a higher score in foodie scene and vegan-friendly options, suggesting a more diverse culinary experience awaits you there.

Riverside vs. Tucson Restaurant Comparison

Finding a great place to eat is essential in making a new city feel like home. This comparison will help you find your next favorite dining spots in Tucson by using Riverside as your culinary guide. By comparing top restaurants from Riverside to their Tucson equivalents, we aim to ease your transition and spice up your meals.

RiversideTucsonWhat You'll Love
• The Salted Pig• Reilly Craft Pizza & DrinkBoth offer a unique take on gastropub fare with a strong emphasis on craft beer.
• Mission Inn Restaurant• El Charro CaféIconic dining experiences rooted in historic settings.
• Mario's Place• Tavolino Ristorante ItalianoBoth are renowned for their high-end Italian cuisine and refined dining atmosphere.
• Woodfire Cafe• Time MarketWood-fired pizzas and a selection of casual eats make both spots beloved by locals.
• Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarBoth are go-to places for exquisite steaks and seafood with a fine dining touch.
• Simple Simon's• 5 Points Market & RestaurantEach offers a cozy, casual dining experience with a focus on fresh, hearty meals.
• Tio's Tacos• Guadalajara GrillAuthentic Mexican food crafted with passion and tradition in mind.
• Market Broiler• Kingfisher Bar & GrillBoth specialize in seafood with a casual yet refined atmosphere.
• Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar• El Minuto CaféSouthwestern flavors that bring the essence of regional cuisine to your plate.
• Salted Pig• The CoronetBoth offer a quirky yet cozy take on the modern gastropub with a strong local following.

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink and The Coronet in Tucson offer not just meals, but experiences that mirror the community-focused and innovative spirit of Riverside’s own The Salted Pig. On the other hand, those seeking a taste of history in their dining venues will appreciate Tucson's El Charro Café as much as they did Riverside's Mission Inn Restaurant, both embedded in the fabric of their city's history. And when it comes to satisfying cravings for fresh, regional flavors, El Minuto Café in Tucson serves Southwestern cuisine that rivals the authentic tastes found at Riverside’s Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar.

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Riverside vs. Tucson Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Understanding the differences between your current and future home can profoundly impact your decision-making. This comparison focuses on housing aspects like cost, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle in Riverside and Tucson, highlighting the distinct features of each city to guide your transition smoothly.

ComparisonRiversideTucson
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and Spanish ColonialPueblo Revival and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious lots, Outdoor livingMountain views, Proximity to nature

When comparing Riverside and Tucson, the median home price in Riverside stands significantly higher than Tucson's, reflecting the broader cost of living differences between the two cities. However, Tucson compensates with a higher walkability and bikeability score, symbolizing a more community-oriented and active lifestyle. Architecture in Tucson tends towards the Pueblo Revival style, mirroring its rich cultural heritage and connection to the natural desert landscape. In contrast, Riverside embraces a mix of Ranch and Spanish Colonial, reflecting California's historical influences. This comparison offers insight into not just the cost but the overall lifestyle each city can offer, with Tucson providing a more affordable and perhaps more active and scenic living environment.

Riverside vs. Tucson Weather Considerations

When moving from Riverside, CA, to Tucson, AZ, understanding the weather differences and how they impact your daily life is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather characteristics of Riverside and Tucson, helping you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
94°F / 64°F

Riverside, CA

100°F / 74°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 43°F

Riverside, CA

65°F / 39°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
11

Riverside, CA

12

Tucson, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Riverside, CA

0.3

Tucson, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRiversideTucson
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersWildfires, EarthquakesWildfires, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Although both Riverside and Tucson enjoy ample sunshine throughout the year, Tucson tends to have slightly hotter summers. However, the humidity in Riverside is somewhat higher, which can make the heat feel more intense. Moving to Tucson, you'll notice less humidity and clearer air quality, which might be a relief for those sensitive to air pollution. Additionally, both cities face unique natural disaster risks, with Riverside more prone to earthquakes and Tucson to flooding. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for and adapt to your new climate.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Riverside to Tucson

When planning your move from Riverside, CA, to Tucson, AZ, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison aims to highlight the key financial differences between Riverside and Tucson, offering insights into the cost of living, taxation, and economic landscape you're stepping into.

ComparisonRiversideTucson
Avg. Household Income$76,558$50,306
Cost of Living Index112.596.5
State Income Tax9.3%4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.81%0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax8.0%8.6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, EducationAerospace, Optics, Technology
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyHigherHigher
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

The cost of living index in Tucson is significantly lower than in Riverside, making it a potentially more affordable option if you're looking to stretch your dollar further. However, the average household income is also lower in Tucson, which could impact your financial planning. State income tax is noticeably lower in Arizona compared to California, offering some relief to your overall tax burden. Furthermore, the variance in the primary industries between these two cities might influence your career prospects, with Tucson being a hub for aerospace, optics, and technology sectors.

Riverside vs. Tucson Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison highlights the differences in the political and religious makeup between Riverside, California, and Tucson, Arizona, offering a quick glimpse into the communities you might be joining or leaving behind. Understanding the local political leanings and religious climate can help you better assimilate into your new home.

RiversideTucson
Political Make-upModerately LiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic in federal electionsDemocratic stronghold
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious communityChristianity dominant, with a notable Jewish community

When moving from Riverside to Tucson, you'll likely notice a shift towards a more liberal political landscape. Tucson is known as a Democratic stronghold, reflecting its residents' views on a variety of social and economic issues. In terms of religion, both cities have a Christian majority, but Tucson boasts a significant Jewish community, indicative of the city's religious diversity. This insight could help you understand the community better and find social or religious groups that align with your beliefs.

Riverside vs. Tucson Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Riverside, CA, to Tucson, AZ, it's essential to understand how traffic and transportation options between the two cities will impact your daily commute. This comparison aims to provide insight into what driving and transiting are like in both locations, helping you adjust to the new traffic flow and public transit availability.

ComparisonRiversideTucson
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3025
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible but inconvenient

Riverside's average commute time slightly exceeds Tucson's, reflecting its busier traffic patterns, especially during rush hours. Although both cities face traffic congestion, Tucson tends to offer a slightly more relaxed commuting experience. Public transit in Tucson is marginally more accessible than in Riverside, courtesy of services like the Sun Tran bus network and the Sun Link streetcar, making the city more navigable for those without a car. However, having a car in either city significantly enhances mobility and access to wider areas, considering the spread-out nature of both urban landscapes and the convenience it brings to daily activities.

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