Best Houston to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Houston to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,497 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Houston 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 $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Houston 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 Houston to Riverside Moving Companies
Cost to Move from Houston to Riverside
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,497 miles from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA will cost on average $3,054 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Houston to Riverside move is roughly $7,356. 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 | $2,051 | 300 ft³ | 6.84 |
1 Bedroom | $3,054 | 450 ft³ | 6.79 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,053 | 750 ft³ | 6.74 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,356 | 1100 ft³ | 6.69 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,620 | 1600 ft³ | 6.64 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,857 | 1800 ft³ | 6.59 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Houston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Houston 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) |

Pinpoint Movers
7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199
Houston, TX, 77036
About Pinpoint Movers
Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...
Services
- Homepage:
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3070055 / 944442 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |

Right Rate Movers of Houston
2925 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX, 77098
About Right Rate Movers of Houston
Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Labor Only
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2200927 / - Active Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Go Movers
Missouri City, TX
About Go Movers
Go Movers has been serving as Houston, TX's trusted relocation experts for the past 10 years. They provide both local and...
Services
- Local moves
- Nationwide moves
- Cheap moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3790949 / 1365663 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 200 (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.
Houston vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison
When considering a move from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA, it helps to compare neighborhoods to find your perfect fit. By comparing local neighborhoods between Houston, TX & Riverside, CA , we aim to ease the transition, aligning familiar characteristics with new surroundings. Discover which Riverside neighborhood resonates with your Houstonian roots.
Houston | Riverside | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
The Heights | Wood Streets | Historic homes, community vibe |
Montrose | Downtown Riverside | Cultural hub, diverse dining |
River Oaks | Alessandro Heights | Upscale, spacious properties |
Midtown | University | Vibrant nightlife, young professionals |
EaDo (East Downtown) | Eastside | Emerging arts, accessibility |
West University | Canyon Crest | Family-friendly, academic atmosphere |
Rice Military | Orangecrest | Active community, parks |
Upper Kirby | Hawarden Hills | Boutique shopping, upscale dining |
Galleria | Mission Grove | Shopping destinations, entertainment |
Clear Lake | La Sierra | Affordability, family-oriented activities |
If you cherish the vibrant arts scene and diverse dining options in Montrose, you'll feel right at home in Downtown Riverside, where venues like the Riverside Art Museum offer cultural experiences, and the Market Broiler serves up diverse culinary delights. Similarly, those accustomed to the upscale and spacious properties of River Oaks may find Alessandro Heights enticing, where luxurious homes are set against the backdrop of Riverside's picturesque hills. For lovers of outdoor activities and community involvement in Rice Military, Orangecrest offers a welcoming environment with plenty of parks like Orange Terrace Park, making it a perfect spot for families and active individuals alike. Transitioning from Houston to Riverside doesn't mean giving up the lifestyle you love; it's about rediscovering it in a new setting.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Houston to Riverside
Moving from one city to another can be a compelling journey, teeming with both opportunities and challenges. In considering a relocation from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA, it's crucial to understand the benefits and drawbacks that accompany such a decision. This side-by-side comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of transitioning between these locales.
- Higher humidity
- More mosquitoes
- Frequent hurricanes
- Flat landscape
- Longer summers
- Lower humidity
- Fewer mosquitoes
- No hurricanes
- Mountain views
- Milder summers
- Higher cost of living
- Less diverse cuisine
- Smaller city feel
- Fewer job markets
- Longer commutes
- Lower cost of living
- Richer cultural diversity
- Larger city
- More job opportunities
- Ease of travel
While Houston is celebrated for its vibrant culture, exemplified by landmarks like the Hermann Park and diverse cuisine available in areas like the Midtown district, Riverside, CA counters with unique advantages. Riverside presents a refreshing change with its lower humidity, scenic mountain views accessible at places like Mount Rubidoux Park, and a significantly milder summer climate. However, this transition does come with considerations, such as Riverside's higher cost of living and a less prominent job market compared to Houston's bustling economy. Regardless, for those passionate about outdoor activities, Riverside's close proximity to natural wonders, including the Box Springs Mountain Reserve, makes it a tempting option despite the financial adjustments required.
Houston vs. Riverside Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Houston & Riverside is essential for anyone moving and wanting to dive into the food culture of their new home. Understanding the culinary scene is a key part of getting to know what life will be like in a different city.
Houston | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Texas BBQ Brisket | Avocado Toast |
Most popular meat dish | Fajitas | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Vegan Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While both Houston and Riverside boast a rich and diverse culinary scene, you'll find that Houston, with its signature Texas BBQ Brisket and an abundance of food trucks, leans more towards hearty traditional dishes with a Texan twist. For vegans, Houston offers innovative options like Vegan BBQ. Iconic spots like Killen's Steakhouse and Uchi highlight the city's diverse offerings. Riverside, on the other hand, reflects its California roots with favorites like Avocado Toast and a strong lean towards health-conscious choices, evidenced by its high fitness health conscientiousness score. Riverside's food scene is also vibrant, with places like The Mission Inn Restaurant and Market Broiler illustrating the city’s culinary range. Both cities offer fantastic tacos, showcasing the influence of Mexican cuisine, but each with a local twist.
Houston vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new area feel like home. This comparison chart of restaurants from Houston to Riverside will assist you in discovering new favorite spots, drawing parallels between your current locale and your future home.
Houston | Riverside | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Uchi | Mario's Place | Contemporary fine dining with a focus on unique flavors. |
The Breakfast Klub | Simple Simon's | Beloved breakfast and brunch spot, with a homey feel. |
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen | Market Broiler | Fresh seafood offerings that remind you of the Gulf Coast. |
Ninfa's on Navigation | Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a local twist. |
Frank's Pizza | The Big Cheese Pizza Company | A go-to for pizza aficionados seeking traditional pies. |
Phoenicia Specialty Foods | Olivia's Mexican Restaurant | Offers a variety of international dishes with a focus on quality ingredients. |
Killen's BBQ | Smokeshack BBQ Riverside | For a taste of Texas-style barbecue right in California. |
Rainbow Lodge | Michelangelo's | A cozy spot for those who appreciate game and fine wines. |
Hugo's | Los Jilbertos | Excels in delivering authentic Latin flavors similar to Hugo's. |
Crawfish & Noodles | The Boiling Crab | Offers a spirited seafood boil experience that's hard to beat. |
When you begin to miss the unique Texas flavors you've grown to love, places like Mario's Place and Market Broiler in Riverside will ease your transition with their emphasis on fine dining and fresh seafood, respectively. For authentic Mexican cuisine reminiscent of Ninfa's on Navigation, Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant provides a taste of home with its own local flair. Meanwhile, BBQ enthusiasts will find comfort in Smokeshack BBQ Riverside, where the smoky, rich flavors rival those of Killen's BBQ. These comparisons not only highlight the culinary versatility of Riverside but also ensure you'll find eateries that resonate with the diverse and vibrant flavors you cherished in Houston.

Ready to start your move?
Houston vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding how Houston, TX and Riverside, CA compare in terms of real estate is crucial. This comparison focuses on vital housing aspects including cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle features to assist you in making an informed decision.
Comparison | Houston | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Ranch | Mission Revival and Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious layouts, luxury amenities | Historic homes, outdoor living spaces |
In considering a move from Houston to Riverside, it's evident that Riverside commands a higher median home price and rent, reflecting California's generally higher cost of living. However, Riverside benefits from slightly higher ratings in walkability and bikeability, likely due to its compact, historic neighborhoods like the Mission Inn District which boast lush, pedestrian-friendly streets. Architectural styles also vastly differ; Houston's modern and ranch-style homes contrast with Riverside's historic Mission Revival and Craftsman homes, offering a unique Californian aesthetic. Those prioritizing outdoor living and historical charm might find Riverside's real estate market more appealing despite the higher costs.

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.
Houston vs. Riverside Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA, understanding how the weather compares can ensure you're well-prepared for your new climate. This comparison will guide you through the key differences and what to expect.
Houston, TX
Riverside, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Houston, TX
Riverside, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Houston, TX
Riverside, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Houston, TX
Riverside, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Houston | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Variable, often Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Flooding | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Houston to Riverside, you'll find yourself in a drier climate with significantly more sunny days annually. This could mean a welcome reduction in humidity and fewer concerns about mold and mild allergies, but it also presents new challenges such as adapting to Riverside's variable air quality and higher potential for wildfires. Understanding the risk of natural disasters in your new home, like wildfires and earthquakes in Riverside as opposed to hurricanes and flooding in Houston, will be crucial for preparedness.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Houston to Riverside
When transitioning from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This comparison aims to outline changes in cost of living, taxes, and income between Houston and Riverside, equipping you with the knowledge for a smoother adjustment.
Comparison | Houston | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,499 | $76,558 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.2 | 112.5 |
State Income Tax | 0 | 13.3(max) |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.09 | 1.16 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.25 | 8.75 |
Top 3 Industries | Energy, Manufacturing, Aeronautics | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | High | High |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Significant |
Understanding the financial landscape is key when moving from Houston to Riverside. For instance, while both cities boast a moderate level of affluence, Riverside's higher cost of living and state income tax rate might impact your take-home pay differently than in Houston. The absence of a state income tax in Texas may make Houston initially appear more appealing, but California's overall economic opportunities, especially in sectors like healthcare and education, could offer long-term benefits. Adjusting to the differences in sales and property taxes will also be an essential part of your financial planning.
Houston vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA, understanding the local lifestyle including the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Houston & Riverside can help you blend into your new community more seamlessly. This quick snapshot will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of political affiliation, local governance, and religious outlook in both cities.
Houston | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | Diverse, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation | Historically more conservative, though trending more progressive |
Religion | Christian majority, with significant Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu communities | Christian majority, with a growing number of non-religious residents |
Moving from Houston to Riverside, you'll find that both cities lean Democratic in their political makeup, although the local political landscape in Riverside has been historically more conservative compared to Houston's diverse political representation. Religion plays a significant role in both cities with Christianity being the majority; however, Houston boasts a more diverse religious community including Muslims, Jews, and Hindus. Riverside, on the other hand, has seen a rise in non-religious residents alongside its Christian majority. This comparison should help you gauge the cultural and social environment you’re about to navigate as you make your move.
Houston vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Houston, TX to Riverside, CA brings significant changes, especially when it comes to your daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Houston & Riverside will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to best navigate your new city.
Comparison | Houston | Riverside |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 27 | 31 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Difficult | Challenging |
While Houston offers a multitude of transit options, from buses to light rail courtesy of METRO, Riverside, with services like RTA, falls slightly behind in terms of availability and reach of public transportation. This makes owning a car more of a necessity in Riverside, despite its lower traffic congestion scores. However, average commute times are longer in Riverside, indicating that even with less traffic, you might find yourself spending more time on the road due to the city's layout and the distances between residential areas and business hubs.



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