The Inland Empire — comprising Riverside and San Bernardino Counties — has become one of Southern California's fastest-growing regions as LA residents seek larger homes at lower prices. Cities like Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Riverside, Murrieta, and Temecula attract families, remote workers, and retirees alike.
Why People Move to the Inland Empire
The main draws are affordability and space. At the median, a home costs roughly $314,000–$425,000 less than in Los Angeles County (C.A.R., August 2026). Larger lots, newer construction, and master-planned communities with amenities are standard. Schools in many IE cities rank highly, and crime rates in newer developments are low.
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Inland Empire Cities to Consider
Rancho Cucamonga sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains with easy access to the 15 and 210. Ontario offers international airport access and strong job growth in logistics and e-commerce. Riverside is the IE's cultural hub with UC Riverside and a revitalized downtown. Murrieta and Temecula in southwestern Riverside County offer wine country living and newer suburban neighborhoods.
The Commute Reality
If you plan to commute to LA, understand what you are signing up for. The 10, 60, and 91 freeways are notoriously congested. A one-way commute from Ontario or Rancho Cucamonga to downtown LA can take 60–90+ minutes in peak traffic. Metrolink trains connect some IE cities to Union Station and can be a viable alternative.
Cost of Living Comparison
Median sold prices in August 2026 (C.A.R.): Los Angeles County $946,950, Riverside County $632,990, San Bernardino County $522,370. Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario are in San Bernardino County; Riverside and Temecula are in Riverside County. Groceries, utilities, and services are generally comparable to or slightly lower than LA.
Moving Logistics from LA to IE
A move from LA to the Inland Empire typically takes 5–9 hours for a 2–3 bedroom home, including drive time on the freeway. The 60 and 10 freeways can be slow on Friday afternoons. Best Movers LA handles all IE relocations — packing, loading, transport, and unpacking at your new home.
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Related questions
How long is the move from Los Angeles to the Inland Empire?
Typically a single day. Most Inland Empire destinations are 50 to 70 miles east of central LA, which is a long local move rather than a long-distance one, and it is normally quoted hourly with California double drive time rather than as a flat interstate price.
Is the commute back to LA realistic?
Be honest with yourself about it before you sign. The 60 and the 10 westbound in the morning peak routinely turn a 55-mile drive into two hours each way, and Metrolink from San Bernardino or Riverside is more predictable but not quick. People who move out here and keep an LA office usually end up negotiating remote days.
How much cheaper is the Inland Empire really?
Substantially on housing, which is the whole reason the move happens, and less so once fuel, a second car and tolls on time are counted. Run the numbers on the full picture rather than the rent line alone — it is still usually a win, but by less than the headline suggests.
Does the same rate card apply out there?
Yes. $88/hr for two movers and a truck, $128/hr for three, $168/hr for four, three-hour minimum, double drive time between the two addresses. The longer leg east shows up as drive time on the clock, which we at Best Movers LA can tell you exactly at booking rather than leaving as a surprise.
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