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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Riverside is 41% more expensive than Irving.

$1,812/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↓ 16%
$88,575/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↓ 10%
$542,100 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 47%
$1,880/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 19%
316,241
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $8,934/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Irving — common questions

Is Riverside or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Irving?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Irving?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $8,934/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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Irving details →

More Comparisons

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