Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Asheville is 16% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $63,281 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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