Denver vs Riverside: cost of living compared
Riverside is 8% cheaper than Denver overall. State income tax tops out around 4.4% in CO vs 9.3% in CA.
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
Riverside generally presents a more affordable overall cost of living compared to Denver. The most significant difference driving this gap is housing, which is noticeably more expensive in Denver. While some categories like utilities are higher in Riverside, and transportation costs are also elevated there, these do not fully offset the considerable savings found in housing, making Riverside the more budget-friendly option for many.
Housing
Housing costs are considerably higher in Denver, both for purchasing a home and for renting a one-bedroom apartment, creating a substantial difference. Denver's housing stock often includes a mix of older and newer construction, with a strong demand for single-family homes and urban apartments. Riverside offers more accessible home prices and slightly lower rents, often featuring a suburban landscape with a variety of housing types, including many newer developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary between the two metros. Food and healthcare costs are roughly similar. However, transportation expenses are notably higher in Riverside, while utilities are also considerably more expensive there. Denver benefits from much lower state income taxes, which can significantly impact take-home pay, whereas Riverside's state income tax rate is substantially higher, affecting overall disposable income.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Denver offers a distinct mountain climate with four seasons, including snowy winters and sunny summers, and a strong outdoor recreation focus. Its transportation often relies on personal vehicles, though public transit options exist. Riverside experiences a warm, dry climate with hot summers and mild winters, typical of Southern California. Commutes are generally longer there, and the region is characterized by a more sprawling, car-dependent urban landscape.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Riverside offers a more favorable overall cost of living, primarily due to its more accessible housing market. While daily expenses like utilities and transportation are higher in Riverside, and state income taxes are a significant factor, the substantial difference in housing costs means a household budget will likely stretch further there than in Denver.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 118 |
| Housing index | 146 | 134 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 121 |
| Food index | 105 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 122 |
| Misc index | 108 | 102 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,850/mo |
| Average commute | 28 min | 34 min |
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.