Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Reno is 13% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $65,039 in Reno.
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. Reno has a housing index of 133 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Reno costs $450,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Reno versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Reno scores 102 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Reno (96) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Reno is $61,648 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Reno.
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