Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Jacksonville is 26% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $55,664 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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