Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Orlando is 22% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $58,594 in Orlando.
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. Orlando has a housing index of 104 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Orlando costs $320,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,650 in Orlando versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Orlando scores 103 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Orlando (96) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Orlando is $48,080 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Orlando.
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