Moving from Riverside, CA to Santa Clara, CA
The 402 mi from Riverside to Santa Clara translate to about 7h 38m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
402 mi Β· 7h 38m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 152, I 210 |
| Major cities en route | San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Rialto |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Riverside | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Santa Clara and Riverside is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Santa Clara is 3.7% above Riverside β $646,784 vs $1,782,192 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Riverside -1.4%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Riverside | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 10.0" | 13.5" |
Climate cools by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 66.9Β°F β 60.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIVERSIDE FIRE STN 3, CA US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Riverside | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 316,241 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $88,575 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.42 | 2.66 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.7% between Riverside and Santa Clara (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 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 Santa Clara more expensive than Riverside?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 3.7% higher than Riverside (110.423 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Riverside?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $47,450 in the Riverside MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Riverside vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $88,575 in Riverside β a 96.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Riverside to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 402 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Riverside, CA?
The driving distance is 402 mi and the route typically takes 7h 38m via I 5 and CA 152. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Riverside?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $646,784 in Riverside β a 175.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Riverside.
City profiles: Riverside, CA Β· Santa Clara, CA.