Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Ventura

California
183

Riverside is 21% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,812/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 16%
$88,575/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 13%
$542,100 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 44%
$1,880/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 13%
316,241
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $11,832/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Ventura — common questions

Is Riverside or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Ventura?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Ventura?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $11,832/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Ventura

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley