Austin vs Riverside: cost of living compared

Riverside is about the same as Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.

Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

The big picture

Comparing Austin and Riverside reveals a roughly similar overall cost of living. While both metros sit above the national average, the factors contributing to their expenses differ. Housing costs are a primary driver in both locations, though Riverside's housing index is slightly higher. The presence of a state income tax in California is a significant differentiator for Riverside, impacting overall financial outlay despite similar general cost levels.

Housing

Housing costs are a major consideration, with median home prices being the same in both metros. However, Riverside's housing index and median one-bedroom rent are slightly higher than Austin's. Beyond the mortgage, property taxes in Texas are generally higher than in California, which can offset some of the initial purchase price similarity. Renters will find Austin slightly more affordable for typical one-bedroom units.

Taxes and everyday costs

Daily expenses show some clear differences. California has a state income tax, which is a substantial additional cost not present in Texas. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Riverside, and food and utilities also trend slightly higher there. Healthcare costs are also somewhat elevated in Riverside. These factors mean that everyday spending on essentials will generally be more expensive in Riverside.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Austin offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, while Riverside experiences a Mediterranean climate, also with hot summers but generally drier. Austin is known for its vibrant music scene and a more compact urban core. Riverside is part of a larger, more sprawling Southern California region, often characterized by car-centric travel and a slightly longer average commute time compared to Austin.

Bottom line

For households considering a move, the budget impact between Austin and Riverside is nuanced. While overall cost of living is similar, the absence of a state income tax in Texas can provide a significant financial advantage for Austin residents. However, property taxes in Austin are typically higher. Everyday expenses like transportation, food, and utilities generally lean more expensive in Riverside, making Austin potentially more favorable for daily spending.

Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Riverside home with the True Cost Calculator.

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