Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Riverside is 136% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,812/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 48%
$88,575/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 34%
$542,100 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 72%
$1,880/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 46%
316,241
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $861/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $10,332/year.

Median household income is $29,859/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Peoria — common questions

Is Riverside or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Peoria?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $861/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Peoria?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $29,859/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Peoria

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo