Riverside vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 19% cheaper than Riverside overall. Jacksonville (FL) 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 Riverside and Jacksonville reveals a notable difference in overall cost of living. Riverside is considerably more expensive across the board, with housing being the primary driver of this disparity. While other categories like transportation and food also contribute to Riverside's higher costs, the gap in housing expenses is the most significant factor influencing a household's budget. Jacksonville generally offers a more budget-friendly environment.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial contrast between the two metros. Both buying a home and renting a typical apartment are considerably more expensive in Riverside. In Florida, property taxes reset upon sale, potentially leading to higher payments for new homeowners, and homeowners insurance premiums can be elevated. Some newer communities in Jacksonville may also include additional fees like HOA or CDD charges, impacting the total cost of homeownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary significantly. Riverside residents face higher costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities. Transportation costs are also greater in Riverside, and average commute times are longer. A key difference impacting disposable income is state income tax; California has one, while Florida does not, which can lead to more take-home pay for Jacksonville residents even before considering other cost differences.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. Riverside typically offers a drier, more arid climate, while Jacksonville has a humid, subtropical environment with a distinct hurricane season. Getting around in Riverside often involves longer commutes and more reliance on personal vehicles. Jacksonville generally has a more relaxed pace and a less dense feel, with a different character of development and community amenities.
Bottom line
Moving between Riverside and Jacksonville would likely result in a substantial shift in household finances. Jacksonville generally offers a more affordable cost of living across most categories, particularly housing, and the absence of a state income tax can further stretch a budget. Conversely, Riverside presents a higher financial commitment for similar goods and services. A household's budget would experience a noticeable expansion by choosing Jacksonville.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 95 |
| Housing index | 134 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 96 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 122 | 105 |
| Misc index | 102 | 88 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,850/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Jacksonville home with the True Cost Calculator.