Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Riverside is 82% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,812/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
$88,575/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 42%
$542,100 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 59%
$1,880/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 32%
316,241
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $37,236/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Springfield — common questions

Is Riverside or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Springfield?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Springfield?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $37,236/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Springfield details →

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