Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Austin is 16% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,695 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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