Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Riverside is 18% more expensive than Reno.

$1,812/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 20%
$88,575/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 11%
$542,100 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 8%
$1,880/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 21%
316,241
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $10,127/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Reno — common questions

Is Riverside or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Reno?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Reno?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $10,127/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Reno details →

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