Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Richmond is 20% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $60,352 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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