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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Riverside is 9% more expensive than Plano.

$1,812/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 1%
$88,575/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 23%
$542,100 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 19%
$1,880/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↓ 3%
316,241
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,074/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Plano — common questions

Is Riverside or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Plano?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Plano?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $20,074/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

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