Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Riverside is 58% more expensive than College Station.

$1,812/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 36%
$88,575/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 42%
$542,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 40%
$1,880/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 33%
316,241
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $36,799/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs College Station — common questions

Is Riverside or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and College Station?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or College Station?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $36,799/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and College Station

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette