Best Riverside to Tucson Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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.

Best Riverside to Tucson 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 | Trek Movers | 9.19 | 9.02 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
4 | Moving Buddies Tucson AZ | 9.05 | 9.23 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Get Your Move On, LLC | 9.03 | 8.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
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 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 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
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) |

Trek Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3256910 / 1424894 Authorized For Property Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 15,000 (2023) |

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) |

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.
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.
Riverside | Tucson | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Wood Streets | Sam Hughes | Historic homes, walkable |
Canyon Crest | Catalina Foothills | Scenic views, upscale |
Mission Grove | Oro Valley | Family-friendly, recreational parks |
Alessandro Heights | Sabino Canyon | Exclusive, natural surroundings |
Orangecrest | Rita Ranch | Growing community, good schools |
Victoria | El Encanto | Historic, upscale ambiance |
La Sierra | Bear Canyon | Peaceful, access to amenities |
Hawarden Hills | Starr Pass | Secluded, luxury homes |
Magnolia Center | Armory Park | Central location, rich history |
Grand | Dunbar Spring | Artsy, 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
- Higher living costs
- More traffic congestion
- Smog and air pollution
- Less desert landscape
- Lower living costs
- Less traffic
- Clearer skies
- More desert beauty
- Farther from major cities
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less urban variety
- More limited dining
- 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.
Riverside | Tucson | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Citrus-infused dishes | Sonoran hot dog |
Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip BBQ | Carne asada |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Sonoran hot dog |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado toast | Tofu burritos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
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.
Riverside | Tucson | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
• The Salted Pig | • Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink | Both offer a unique take on gastropub fare with a strong emphasis on craft beer. |
• Mission Inn Restaurant | • El Charro Café | Iconic dining experiences rooted in historic settings. |
• Mario's Place | • Tavolino Ristorante Italiano | Both are renowned for their high-end Italian cuisine and refined dining atmosphere. |
• Woodfire Cafe | • Time Market | Wood-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 Bar | Both are go-to places for exquisite steaks and seafood with a fine dining touch. |
• Simple Simon's | • 5 Points Market & Restaurant | Each offers a cozy, casual dining experience with a focus on fresh, hearty meals. |
• Tio's Tacos | • Guadalajara Grill | Authentic Mexican food crafted with passion and tradition in mind. |
• Market Broiler | • Kingfisher Bar & Grill | Both specialize in seafood with a casual yet refined atmosphere. |
• Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar | • El Minuto Café | Southwestern flavors that bring the essence of regional cuisine to your plate. |
• Salted Pig | • The Coronet | Both 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.

Ready to start your move?
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.
Comparison | Riverside | Tucson |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Spanish Colonial | Pueblo Revival and Ranch |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious lots, Outdoor living | Mountain 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.
Riverside, CA
Tucson, AZ
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Riverside, CA
Tucson, AZ
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Riverside, CA
Tucson, AZ
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Riverside, CA
Tucson, AZ
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Riverside | Tucson |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Earthquakes | Wildfires, 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
Comparison | Riverside | Tucson |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $76,558 | $50,306 |
Cost of Living Index | 112.5 | 96.5 |
State Income Tax | 9.3% | 4.5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.81% | 0.72% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.0% | 8.6% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education | Aerospace, Optics, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
Poverty | Higher | Higher |
Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
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.
Riverside | Tucson | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Liberal | Liberal |
Local Politics | Democratic in federal elections | Democratic stronghold |
Religion | Christianity dominant, diverse religious community | Christianity 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.
Comparison | Riverside | Tucson |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 25 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible 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.



Additional Resources
Riverside Moving Services
Popular Riverside to Arizona Routes
Popular Moving Resources