Best Riverside to Houston Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Riverside to Houston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,498 mile move from California to Texas go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Riverside to Houston 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 Riverside compared to Houston. 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 Houston Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHG
2Terry Moving & Storage9.379.2Authorized For HHG
3Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For Property
4Pinpoint Movers8.779.23Authorized For HHG
5Right Rate Movers of Houston8.688.59Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Riverside to Houston?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,498 miles from Riverside, CA to Houston, TX will cost on average $3,055 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Riverside to Houston move is roughly $7,358. 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$2,052300 ft³$6.84
1 Bedroom$3,055450 ft³$6.79
2 Bedrooms$5,054750 ft³$6.74
3 Bedrooms$7,3581100 ft³$6.69
4 Bedrooms$10,6231600 ft³$6.64
5+ Bedrooms$11,8601800 ft³$6.59
*Please note: These California to Texas moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Texas. 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 TX mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Houston to Riverside guide.

Compare the 5 Best Riverside to Houston 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 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
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 2,011+ 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 6,022+ 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
Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.77/10
based on 2,169+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.68/10
based on 3,455+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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. Houston Neighborhood Comparison

Embarking on a move can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating the unknown terrains of a new city. To ease this transition, consider this guide your compass. We compare popular neighborhoods in Riverside, CA & Houston, TX to help you find a new place that feels like home, using familiar territories as your baseline.

RiversideHoustonHow They're Similar
Wood StreetsHeightsHistoric homes, strong community feel
Canyon CrestClear LakeFamily-friendly, outdoor activities
Mission GroveKatyGrowing suburb, shopping centers
Alessandro HeightsMemorialUpscale, spacious homes
OrangecrestCypressExcellent schools, family-oriented
Downtown RiversideDowntown HoustonUrban lifestyle, cultural attractions
Hawarden HillsTanglewoodExclusive, wooded estates
La SierraSpring BranchDiverse, revitalizing community
Magnolia CenterMontroseEclectic, vibrant nightlife
UniversityRice University AreaEducational hub, young professionals

For those mesmerized by the historic charm and tight-knit community of Wood Streets in Riverside, the Heights in Houston awaits with its own collection of historic homes and welcoming neighbors. Similarly, if the vibrant cultural scene and urban lifestyle of Downtown Riverside captivates you, Downtown Houston offers an equivalent bustling city life filled with theater, art, and dining options, such as the notable Houston Ballet and the acclaimed Discovery Green park. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts who relish the scenic hills and open spaces in Canyon Crest will find Clear Lake equally appealing, where activities like boating and hiking at Lake Livingston State Park are abundant. This detailed exploration into the neighborhoods highlights how each area bridges the familiarity of Riverside's charm with Houston's diverse and expansive allure.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Riverside to Houston

Moving from one city to another can be a complex decision, with many factors to consider. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of Riverside, CA to Houston, TX, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of making such a relocation. It's designed to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in your new city, weighing the good against the bad.

CONs
PROs
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • High living costs
  • Less job growth
  • Water restrictions
  • Seismic activity
  • Dense traffic
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower living costs
  • More job opportunities
  • No water restrictions
  • No earthquakes
  • More freeways
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Hotter summers
  • Flatter landscape
  • Higher humidity
  • Far from beaches
  • Less Mexican cuisine
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Scenic mountain views
  • Outdoor lifestyle
  • Proximity to LA
  • Cultural diversity

Despite the higher living costs in Riverside, its residents enjoy mild winters and scenic mountain views, offering an attractive outdoor lifestyle with easy access to Los Angeles. Contrastingly, Houston boasts a booming job market and more affordable living but brings hotter summers and a generally flatter landscape. Houston is renowned for its dynamic food scene, featuring establishments like Uchi Houston for sushi lovers, though you might find Mexican cuisine more to your taste in Riverside. While you'll miss the beaches and the proximity to LA, Houston offers its own charms with neighborhoods like The Heights, known for its vibrant community and local boutiques. Both cities offer unique benefits and challenges, making the choice heavily dependent on personal priorities and lifestyle preferences.

Riverside vs. Houston Food Guide

Embarking on a move between cities can be a transformative experience, not least because of the change in the local food scene. Food is a vibrant expression of a locale's culture and lifestyle. To help you understand what culinary delights await, we will compare the local cuisine between Riverside, CA, and Houston, TX so that you can savor the flavors of your new home.

Riverside
Houston
Most iconic local food item
Avocado Toast
Texas BBQ Brisket
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Smoked Ribs
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Tacos al Pastor
Most popular vegan food
Quinoa Salad
Vegan Tex-Mex
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • The Mission Inn Restaurant
    • Tio's Tacos
    • Market Broiler
    • Killen's Barbecue
    • Ninfa's on Navigation
    • Uchi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Riverside to Houston, you'll find the food scene is as varied as the landscape. In Houston, the Tex-Mex and barbecue reign supreme, with neighborhoods like The Heights and Montrose offering a dizzying array of eateries, from the smoked mastery of Killen's Barbecue in Pearland to the innovative vegan Tex-Mex options found throughout the city. Riverside's influence remains in your culinary heart, with its fresh Californian flavors and the vibrant street food scene, but Houston's bold flavors, combined with its globally influenced and incredibly diverse culinary offerings, will quickly feel like home.

Riverside vs. Houston Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a vital role in making a new place feel like home. This restaurant comparison is designed to help you find your new favorite eateries in Houston by drawing parallels with Riverside's top restaurants, making your transition smoother .

RiversideHoustonWhat You'll Love
Mario's PlaceDaMarcoUpscale Italian, similar ambiance and sophisticated menu
The Salted PigHay MerchantCraft beers and elevated gastropub fare
Simple Simon'sCommon Bond Café & BakeryRenowned for homemade breads and pastries
Mission Inn RestaurantState of GraceEclectic menu with a historic atmosphere
Tio's TacosHugo'sAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a creative twist
Anchos Southwest Grill & BarEl Tiempo CantinaTex-Mex with a similar southwestern flair
Burger BossShake ShackKnown for quality burgers and shakes
Le Chat NoirLa TableFrench elegance and fine dining experience
Market BroilerTruluck'sSeafood, steak, and crab house with fresh fare
Duane's Prime Steaks and SeafoodPappas Bros. SteakhouseTop-notch steaks and wine selection

When seeking a blend of atmosphere and flavor similar to Riverside's eclectic food scene, you'll find Houston's culinary landscape equally vibrant and diverse. For those who relished the evenings at Mario's Place, DaMarco in Houston promises a comparably sophisticated Italian dining experience, complete with an elegant ambiance. Fans of The Salted Pig's craft beer selection and gastropub fare will feel right at home at Hay Merchant, where the focus on quality brews and inventive dishes echoes Riverside's casual yet refined taste. Furthermore, Hugo's takes the mantle from Tio's Tacos, offering a creative spin on traditional Mexican cuisine, ensuring that the flavors of your old hometown mingle with the new, crafting a bridge between Riverside and Houston that is both delicious and comforting.

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Riverside vs. Houston Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role when considering a move to a new city. This comparison will shine a light on the essential housing characteristics between Riverside and Houston, highlighting aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to aid in your decision-making process.

Riverside
Houston
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish and Ranch
Modern and Ranch
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Open floor plans, outdoor living spaces
Energy efficiency, smart home features

When examining the housing market dynamics of Riverside versus Houston, several interesting contrasts emerge. Riverside's higher median home price reflects California's overall real estate market, which tends to be pricier than Texas. However, the preference for Spanish architectural styles and outdoor living spaces in Riverside listings highlights the city's unique charm and climate. In contrast, Houston's more affordable housing market and emphasis on modern, energy-efficient homes cater to those valuing sustainability and urban lifestyle. The slight edge in walkability and bikeability in Houston suggests a bit more ease in getting around without a car, an aspect that can significantly impact daily life. Overall, these differences underscore the varied living experiences each city offers, tailored to suit diverse needs and preferences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Houston, TX

1. Montrose : You'll love Montrose for its abundance of parks and pet-friendly cafes where you can relax with your furry friend.

2. The Heights : In The Heights, you can enjoy numerous walking trails and dog parks, making it a paradise for you and your pets.

3. Midtown : Midtown offers numerous pet-friendly accommodations and lively parks that ensure your pets are always entertained.

Riverside vs. Houston Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Riverside, CA, to Houston, TX, it's crucial to understand how the weather conditions in your new home will compare to what you're accustomed to. This comparison highlights key weather differences between Riverside and Houston, helping you prepare for your relocation.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

94°F/64°F
94°F/75°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

68°F/43°F
65°F/45°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

11
50
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


While both Riverside and Houston share high summer temperatures, the humidity levels and precipitation rates greatly differ, impacting overall comfort. Houston's increased humidity, often around 75%, contributes to a muggy feel, particularly in summer, contrasting with Riverside’s drier climate. Additionally, Houston sees an average of 50 inches of rain annually, compared to Riverside's much lower rate, enhancing the lush landscape of Houston but also raising potential for flooding. Adjusting to these conditions will be an important aspect of your move.

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

When deliberating a move from one city to another, it becomes crucial to zero in on the financial differences you're likely to encounter. This comparison aims to shed light on what your wallet can expect when transitioning from Riverside to Houston . Understanding the economic landscape, including the cost of living, tax implications, and average incomes, can offer a clearer picture of your financial future in a new city.

Riverside
Houston
Avg. Household Income
$76,558
$55,499
Cost of Living Index
112.5
92.2
State Income Tax
13.3%
0%
Avg. Property Tax
0.81%
1.93%
Avg. Sales Tax
8.75%
8.25%
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
Energy, Manufacturing, Aeronautics
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate to High
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
High
Moderate to High

Moving from Riverside to Houston, you'll notice significant savings primarily due to Texas not having a state income tax, in contrast to California's steep 13.3%. However, keep in mind Houston's higher average property tax rate at 1.93% compared to Riverside's more modest 0.81%. The cost of living index reveals Houston as more affordable, with a score of 96.5 against Riverside's 133. While average household incomes are closely matched, the absence of state income tax in Texas may leave more disposable income at your disposal. Additionally, Houston's economic landscape is buoyed by sectors like energy and manufacturing, echoing its diverse economic foundation.

Riverside vs. Houston Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Riverside, CA, to Houston, TX, it’s essential to get a sense of the communities you’re transitioning between. This comparison aims to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Riverside & Houston , providing you with insights into your new home’s social landscape.

Riverside
Houston
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Mixed, with a Democratic tilt in recent elections
Local Politics
Progressive on state issues
Diverse political landscape with both progressive and conservative representation
Religion
Christianity predominant, with a significant number of non-religious residents
Diverse, with a large Christian population alongside significant Muslim, Jewish, and non-religious communities

Moving from Riverside to Houston, you’ll be transitioning from an area that leans Democratic to a city with a more mixed political landscape, though Houston has shown a Democratic tilt in recent elections. While Riverside’s local politics tend to be progressive, especially on state issues, Houston offers a more diverse political scene, reflecting its larger and more varied population. On the religious front, both cities have a predominantly Christian population. However, Houston is noted for its remarkably diverse religious community, including significant Muslim, Jewish, and non-religious residents, providing a wide array of local houses of worship and community organizations. This diversity reflects the city's cosmopolitan nature, which can be a rich and rewarding environment for newcomers to explore.

Riverside vs. Houston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Riverside, CA to Houston, TX, it's crucial to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic might look like in these two cities.

Riverside
Houston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
30
27
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
No
Difficult

Despite both cities having their challenges with traffic congestion, there's a notable difference in the availability of public transit, ranking higher in Houston. This suggests that in Houston, you might have somewhat more options for commuting without a car compared to Riverside, where a car is almost indispensable for getting around. Yet, despite the bit higher score in Houston, it's still considered difficult to navigate the city without personal transportation. This signals not just the importance of a good public transit system but also how city layout and services are designed to accommodate those who prefer or need to use it.

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