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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Riverside is 44% more expensive than Denton.

$1,812/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 26%
$88,575/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 17%
$542,100 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 40%
$1,880/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 22%
316,241
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $14,856/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Denton — common questions

Is Riverside or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Denton?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Denton?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $14,856/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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