Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Riverside, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Riverside

California
144

Los Angeles is 43% more expensive than Riverside.

$1,879/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↓ 4%
$80,366/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 10%
$879,500 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$542,100 ↓ 38%
$2,055/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↓ 9%
3,857,897
Population
316,241

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $8,209/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Riverside — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Riverside?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Riverside?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $8,209/year higher in Riverside.
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 Los Angeles or Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Riverside details →