Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Riverside, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Riverside

California
144

Denver is 2% more expensive than Riverside.

$1,770/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 2%
$91,681/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↓ 3%
$586,700 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$542,100 ↓ 8%
$1,839/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 2%
713,734
Population
316,241

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,106/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Riverside — common questions

Is Denver or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Riverside?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Riverside?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $3,106/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Riverside

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati