Best Riverside to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Riverside to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 396 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 150 Riverside to San Jose 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 Sweet Lemon Moving Services), 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 San Jose. 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 San Jose Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability Index
1Sweet Lemon Moving Services9.789.67
2Pure Moving Company9.659.41
3Pure Moving9.649.49
4Ready-to-go Movers9.629.51
5Pasadena Moving Company LLC9.589.22
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Riverside to San Jose?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 396 miles from Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA will cost on average $2,118 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Riverside to San Jose move is roughly $5,067. 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$1,427300 ft³$4.76
1 Bedroom$2,118450 ft³$4.71
2 Bedrooms$3,492750 ft³$4.66
3 Bedrooms$5,0671100 ft³$4.61
4 Bedrooms$7,2911600 ft³$4.56
5+ Bedrooms$8,1121800 ft³$4.51
*Please note: These California to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & California. 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 CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Riverside guide.

Compare the 5 Best Riverside to San Jose Movers

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

Sweet Lemon Moving Services Logo

Sweet Lemon Moving Services

Exceptional9.78/10
based on 3,489+ data points

403 Elwood Ave

Oakland, CA, 94610

About Sweet Lemon Moving Services

As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Interstate Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3277021 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Company Logo

Pure Moving Company

Exceptional9.65/10
based on 6,753+ data points

401 Terry A Francois Blvd # 110

San Francisco, CA, 94158

About Pure Moving Company

With four locations in two states, Pure Moving Company has been offering professional and full-service moves in San Francisco since 2000....

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
View Full Review
2
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 7,662+ 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
3
Ready-to-go Movers Logo

Ready-to-go Movers

Exceptional9.62/10
based on 2,057+ data points

400 Autumnwood St

Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360

About Ready-to-go Movers

Ready To Go Movers lives up to its business name with emergency moving crews that are ready to provide moving services...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2777901 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Pasadena Moving Company LLC Logo

Pasadena Moving Company LLC

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 1,068+ data points

Winters, CA, 95694

About Pasadena Moving Company LLC

Pasadena Moving Company LLC, based in Pasadena, is celebrated for its understanding of the local area and efficient relocation services, extending...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Overnight Services
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. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

When planning a move, getting to know your new city can be easier when you have a familiar point of reference. This guide aims to assist those moving from Riverside, CA, to San Jose, CA, by providing a comparison of the local neighborhoods to help you find a new home that feels just right. Discover neighborhoods in San Jose that share the spirit and vibe of your favorite spots in Riverside.

RiversideSan JoseHow They're Similar
Wood StreetsWillow GlenHistoric homes, community vibe
Canyon CrestAlmaden ValleyScenic views, upscale living
Alessandro HeightsSilver Creek ValleyExclusive, hillside properties
Mission GroveEvergreenFamily-friendly, spacious homes
OrangecrestBerryessaSuburban feel, accessible amenities
Downtown RiversideDowntown San JoseUrban living, cultural hotspots
La SierraWest San JoseDiverse, convenient shopping
Hawarden HillsWillow GlenQuiet streets, custom homes
VictoriaLos GatosCharming, historic downtown
Magnolia CenterCamdenLocal eats, family atmosphere

Exploring neighborhoods like Willow Glen in San Jose will remind Riverside residents of the Wood Streets area, thanks to its historic homes and strong sense of community. Here, you can stroll down Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen to find a variety of local restaurants and boutique shops, akin to the Riverside Plaza in Magnolia Center. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Almaden Valley in San Jose offers a similar experience to Canyon Crest, with its access to hiking trails and beautiful views. Both neighborhoods pride themselves on providing upscale living with scenic surroundings. Meanwhile, if the urban pulse of Downtown Riverside appeals to you, Downtown San Jose's vibrant culture, including venues like the San Jose Museum of Art and annual events like the San Jose Jazz Festival, will certainly make you feel at home.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in San Jose

  • Explore The Tech Interactive museum
  • Stroll through Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Watch a San Jose Sharks hockey game
  • Enjoy shopping and dining at Santana Row
  • Hike in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
  • Visit Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Sample wines at Santa Clara Valley wineries

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Riverside to San Jose

Deciding to move from one city to another is a significant decision. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA , helping you weigh the decision carefully.

CONs
PROs
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Higher summer heat
  • Lower job availability
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Smaller tech sector
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Greater employment opportunities
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Larger tech industry
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Expensive real estate
  • Higher cost of living
  • More traffic
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Affordable housing
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Quaint community feel


Relocating from Riverside to San Jose brings a blend of both opportunity and adjustment. Riverside's charm is in its affordability and the small-town feeling it offers, making places like the Mount Rubidoux Park not just outdoor spaces, but central to community life. On the other hand, San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, teems with diversity and possibilities, especially in the tech sector. Neighborhoods like Downtown San Jose are bustling with cultural events, exquisite restaurants like Original Joe's San Jose, and technology hubs, reflecting a vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle. This juxtaposition underscores the importance of considering personal priorities and lifestyle preferences when contemplating this move.

Riverside vs. San Jose Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Riverside & San Jose highlights the distinct flavors and dining experiences that contribute to the cultural tapestry of each city. Understanding the food scene is crucial for anyone looking to relocate, providing a taste of what life is like in their new home.

Riverside
San Jose
Most iconic local food item
Avocado Toast
Pho
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Bánh mì
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Dumplings
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Burrito
Vegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Simple Simon's
  • Tio's Tacos
  • Original Joe's
  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • Adega
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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In Riverside, the local food scene thrives on a mix of traditional American cuisine with a modern twist, as seen in popular dishes like avocado toast and vegan burritos, which you can find in trendy restaurants throughout the city, including the historic Mission Inn Restaurant. Moving to San Jose, the culinary landscape shifts significantly towards Asian influences, particularly Vietnamese, reflected in the city's love for pho and bánh mì. Neighborhoods such as Little Saigon are bustling with authentic eateries like Original Joe's and Adega, where foodies and health enthusiasts alike can indulge in a diverse and vibrant dining scene, underscored by a higher rating in vegan-friendliness and food truck abundance.

Riverside vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite dining spot is essential for feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison is aimed at helping you transition from Riverside to San Jose by discovering places that offer a taste of familiarity and local flair. By comparing Riverside's top restaurants to their San Jose equivalents , we hope to make your move a little easier and much tastier.

RiversideSan JoseWhat You'll Love
The Salted PigOrchard City KitchenSimilar emphasis on gastropub fare with a creative twist
Simple Simon'sCafé RosalenaBoth offer hearty, homemade sandwiches and salads
Mario's PlacePaesano Ristorante ItalianoAuthentic Italian cuisines with a cozy, inviting atmosphere
Market BroilerScott's SeafoodFocus on fresh fish and seafood with a view
Mission Inn RestaurantLa Foret RestaurantBoth are nestled in unique settings offering a blend of history and fine dining
Tio's TacosMezcalBoth are known for their authentic Mexican dishes and quirky décor
Anchos Southwest Grill & BarAdelita's TaqueriaBoth serve up hearty Southwestern and Mexican dishes
Duane's Prime Steaks and SeafoodAlexander's SteakhouseA high-end option for steak and seafood lovers
Woodfire CaféB2 CoffeeBoth are beloved local spots for coffee, with a great selection of pastries and light bites
Kountry FolksBill's CaféBoth provide a homely atmosphere perfect for a hearty American breakfast or brunch

Exploring these dining options offers a delightful culinary journey from Riverside to San Jose. For instance, making the move from enjoying the rustic charm and innovative dishes of The Salted Pig to the equally inventive and satisfying plates at Orchard City Kitchen ensures you won't miss out on quality gastropub experiences. Similarly, transitioning from the historic elegance of The Mission Inn Restaurant to the enchanting and equally historical setting of La Foret Restaurant provides an opportunity to enjoy fine dining amidst breathtaking nature, continuing to celebrate special occasions without skipping a beat. Each establishment, whether in Riverside or San Jose, not only offers delightful taste experiences but also contributes to creating new and memorable moments in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Riverside vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences the decision to move; understanding how Riverside and San Jose compare is essential. This comparison highlights housing costs, architecture, walkability, bikeability, urban lifestyle, and popular real estate items to aid your decision.

Riverside
San Jose
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial, Ranch
Modern, Eichler Homes
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, pools
Proximity to tech companies, sustainability features

In Riverside, homes often feature Spanish Colonial or Ranch styles, providing a more traditional American living experience with spacious yards and often a pool - ideal for those seeking a suburban feel. San Jose, in contrast, leans heavily towards modern residential architecture, including the unique Eichler homes that emphasize open floor plans and integration with outdoor spaces. This reflects San Jose's higher urban lifestyle score, enhanced by its close proximity to Silicon Valley tech companies and prioritization of sustainability features in homes, which is a stark contrast to the lower urban lifestyle score and less emphasis on modern sustainability in Riverside.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen : You'll love the tree-lined streets and abundance of pet-friendly parks and amenities that make outdoor exploration with your furry friend convenient and enjoyable.

2. Japantown : This neighborhood's welcoming community vibe and nearby parks provide you and your pet plenty of space to enjoy leisurely strolls and social interactions.

3. Rose Garden : With its expansive green spaces and walkable layout, this area offers numerous dog-friendly cafes and shops, making it perfect for pet-owners like you.

Riverside vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding the weather differences between Riverside and San Jose is crucial. This comparison will prepare you for the changes, so you can adjust your lifestyle and wardrobe accordingly.

Riverside
San Jose
Days of Sunshine per Year
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☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
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Natural Disasters
Wildfires, Earthquakes
Earthquakes, Flooding
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

94°F / 64°F
82°F / 57°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

68°F / 43°F
60°F / 42°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

11
15.5
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


In moving from Riverside to San Jose, you'll experience milder summers with lower average high temperatures and slightly cooler winters. San Jose enjoys fewer sunny days but compensates with a more comfortable humidity level, ideal for outdoor activities. While both cities share common natural disaster risks like earthquakes, San Jose provides a different challenge with its higher potential for flooding. Notably, San Jose's air quality is generally better, benefiting those with respiratory concerns or who enjoy outdoor exercises. Adjusting to these differences will ensure a smooth transition to your new home in San Jose.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison delivers insights into moving from Riverside to San Jose regarding money and finance . Knowing these differences will ensure there are no surprises and help you budget for your new life.

Riverside
San Jose
Avg. Household Income
$76,558
$126,377
Cost of Living Index
112.5
156.1
State Income Tax
9.3
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.8
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
7.75
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
High
Very High

Moving from Riverside to San Jose will introduce you to a significantly different financial landscape. In San Jose, you'll find a higher average household income, which corresponds with its higher cost of living index. This emphasizes the tech-driven economic environment of San Jose, which also reflects in its top industries. Despite the higher affluence, San Jose struggles with homelessness, an issue more severe than in Riverside. Understanding these factors can greatly aid in preparing for the financial changes that come with moving to San Jose, allowing for a smoother transition to your new home.

Riverside vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to a brief overview aimed at providing you with a comparison of the politics between Riverside & San Jose , focusing on the political and religious makeup of their residents. This is essential for understanding the community you might be joining or leaving.

Riverside
San Jose
Political Make-up
Leans Democratic
Significantly Democratic
Local Politics
Conservative on some local issues
Progressive on most local issues
Religion
Diverse, with a strong evangelical presence
Highly diverse, significant non-religious population

When you move from Riverside to San Jose, you’ll find yourself transitioning from an area that leans Democratic to one that is significantly more progressive in its political orientation. Riverside may have a conservative stance on certain local issues, but San Jose generally adopts a progressive approach towards community and social matters. The religious landscape is also notably different. Riverside has a diverse religious community with a strong evangelical presence. In contrast, San Jose is characterized by its religious diversity as well, but it stands out due to its significant non-religious or secular population. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more quickly to your new environment.

Riverside vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Comparing the daily commute and traffic dynamics of Riverside & San Jose is essential for those considering a move. This analysis aims to help you better understand what you can expect in terms of traffic congestion, average commute time, and public transit options in these cities.

Riverside
San Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
31
27
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
No
Challenging

In Riverside, the lower public transit score compared to San Jose reflects the city's greater dependency on cars. Although it's challenging in both cities, getting by without a car in San Jose is slightly more feasible due to its moderately better public transportation system. Furthermore, San Jose encounters a bit more traffic congestion, likely due to its higher density and role as a tech hub. Despite these differences, average commute times in San Jose are somewhat lower, possibly because of more efficient traffic management and the layout of the city which supports faster movement.

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