Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Riverside is 23% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $57,831 in Riverside.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Riverside scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Riverside.
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