Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Riverside is 153% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,812/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 48%
$88,575/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 41%
$542,100 ↑ 320%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 76%
$1,880/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 51%
316,241
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $36,324/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Evansville — common questions

Is Riverside or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Evansville?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Evansville?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $36,324/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Evansville

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow