Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Riverside, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Riverside

California
144

Anaheim is 38% more expensive than Riverside.

$2,082/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↓ 13%
$90,583/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↓ 2%
$771,700 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$542,100 ↓ 30%
$2,165/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↓ 13%
344,553
Population
316,241

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $2,008/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Riverside — common questions

Is Anaheim or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Riverside?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Riverside?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $2,008/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Riverside details →