Moving from Concord, CA to Riverside, CA
Relocating between Concord, CA and Riverside, CA is a 427 mi drive β 8h 1m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
427 mi Β· 8h 1m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 210, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Menifee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Riverside | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 106.442 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 148.641 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 101.431 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 129.312 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.9% moving from Concord to Riverside β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Riverside run about 7.9% cheaper β ZHVI $742,769 β $646,784 (2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Riverside -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.1" | 10.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 62.0Β°F vs 66.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Riverside sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, RIVERSIDE FIRE STN 3, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,260 | 316,241 |
| Median household income | $109,195 | $88,575 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 3.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.9% lower in Riverside than Concord.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Riverside MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 267,890 | $47,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 177,100 | $47,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,590 | $34,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 136,950 | $36,420 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 115,940 | $32,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Riverside average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Riverside sees only 10.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Riverside more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Riverside is 7.9% lower than Concord (106.442 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Riverside compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $646,784 in Riverside vs $742,769 in Concord β a 12.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Riverside, CA from Concord, CA?
The driving distance is 427 mi and the route typically takes 8h 1m via I 5 and I 210. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Riverside?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,575 in Riverside vs $109,195 in Concord β a 18.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Riverside compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,450 in the Riverside MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 1,661,860 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Concord to Riverside?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 427 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.
City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Riverside, CA.