Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Provo is 19% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $60,938 in Provo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Utah salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Provo has a housing index of 112 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Provo costs $380,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Provo versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Provo scores 98 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Provo (97) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Provo is $51,048 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Provo.
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