Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Riverside is 27% more expensive than Port St. Lucie.

$1,812/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↓ 2%
$88,575/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 12%
$542,100 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 40%
$1,880/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↓ 20%
316,241
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,438/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Riverside or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $10,438/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Port St. Lucie details →

More Comparisons

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