Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Phoenix is 22% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $58,594 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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