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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Riverside is 92% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,812/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 37%
$88,575/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 34%
$542,100 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 64%
$1,880/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 37%
316,241
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $665/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $7,980/year.

Median household income is $30,236/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Killeen — common questions

Is Riverside or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Killeen?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $665/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Killeen?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $30,236/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Killeen

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale