Pittsburgh vs Riverside: cost of living compared
Riverside is 34% more expensive than Pittsburgh overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA 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 from Pittsburgh to Riverside generally means a significantly higher cost of living. The overall expenses in Riverside are noticeably greater than the national average, while Pittsburgh's are well below it. This substantial difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are dramatically higher in Riverside, but also extends to nearly all other major spending categories.
Housing
Housing in Pittsburgh is considerably more affordable, whether buying or renting, with median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being substantially lower than in Riverside. Pittsburgh's housing stock often includes older, established homes, while Riverside features more newer developments typical of a growing Southern California metro. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary, but the initial purchase price or monthly rent creates a much bigger financial commitment in Riverside.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all notably higher in Riverside compared to Pittsburgh. Additionally, California's state income tax rate is significantly higher than Pennsylvania's, impacting take-home pay. This means that everyday spending, from groceries to doctor visits, will require a larger portion of your budget when living in Riverside.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Pittsburgh offers a distinct four-season climate with colder winters and more precipitation, while Riverside enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Getting around in Pittsburgh often involves navigating hilly terrain and a mix of older infrastructure, while Riverside is more car-dependent with a longer average commute. The pace of life and urban density can also feel different, reflecting their respective regional characteristics.
Bottom line
A move from Pittsburgh to Riverside represents a substantial increase in financial outlay across the board. While both metros offer unique advantages, the budgetary impact of Riverside's higher housing, everyday expenses, and state income tax means a household will need a considerably larger income to maintain a similar standard of living compared to Pittsburgh.
| Measure | Pittsburgh, PA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 118 |
| Housing index | 64 | 134 |
| Transportation index | 98 | 121 |
| Food index | 95 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 122 |
| Misc index | 88 | 102 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/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.