Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Las Vegas is 21% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $59,180 in Las Vegas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Las Vegas has a housing index of 106 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Las Vegas costs $350,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Las Vegas versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Las Vegas scores 101 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Las Vegas (96) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Las Vegas is $56,415 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Las Vegas.
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