Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Ontario

California
152

Riverside is 5% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,812/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 6%
$88,575/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 7%
$542,100 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 5%
$1,880/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 5%
316,241
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $5,769/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Ontario — common questions

Is Riverside or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Ontario?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Ontario?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $5,769/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Ontario

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa