Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Dallas is 20% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $60,352 in Dallas.
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. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Dallas scores 97 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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