Phoenix vs Riverside: cost of living compared
Riverside is 16% more expensive than Phoenix overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ 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
Moving between Phoenix and Riverside presents a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. Riverside is considerably more expensive than Phoenix, with this gap largely driven by housing costs. While both metros exceed the national average for expenses, Phoenix remains closer to it, making it a more budget-friendly option for many households considering a relocation.
Housing
Housing costs are a primary differentiator, with both home prices and rental rates in Riverside being substantially higher than in Phoenix. Phoenix offers more sprawling, newer developments, while Riverside features a mix of suburban homes. Beyond the mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance are also considerations for homeowners in both regions.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a clear distinction. California's state income tax is significantly higher than Arizona's, impacting take-home pay for many. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably more expensive in Riverside compared to Phoenix, meaning a larger portion of your income will go towards these regular expenditures.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both metros experience hot, dry desert climates, though Riverside is closer to coastal influences. Phoenix is a large, sprawling city, while Riverside is part of the denser Southern California urban fabric. Both are car-dependent, but Riverside residents generally face longer average commute times, reflecting the region's traffic patterns.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, Riverside generally entails a much higher financial commitment across the board, particularly for housing and state income taxes. Phoenix offers a more affordable cost of living, with savings evident in housing, everyday expenses, and taxes, which could significantly impact a household's budget and financial flexibility.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 118 |
| Housing index | 105 | 134 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 121 |
| Food index | 96 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 122 |
| Misc index | 92 | 102 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/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.