Riverside vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 8% cheaper than Riverside overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT 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
Comparing these two metros reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living, with Salt Lake City proving more budget-friendly than Riverside. The primary drivers of this disparity are housing, which is significantly more expensive in Riverside, and transportation, where Salt Lake City offers substantial savings. While some categories show smaller gaps, the cumulative effect makes Salt Lake City a more economical choice for many expenses.
Housing
When considering housing, median home prices are roughly similar in both metros, but renting a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably more expensive in Riverside. Riverside's housing stock often includes suburban homes, while Salt Lake City features a mix of historic and newer residences. Beyond purchase price or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting the true cost of ownership or tenancy.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses see a significant difference, particularly with state income taxes, which are much higher in California than in Utah. Transportation costs are considerably lower in Salt Lake City, reflecting a more efficient commute. Food, healthcare, and utilities are also more affordable in Salt Lake City, contributing to a lower everyday spending burden compared to Riverside.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Riverside offers a warm, Mediterranean climate with proximity to southern California attractions, often requiring extensive driving. Salt Lake City, nestled against mountains, experiences distinct seasons, including snowy winters, and offers abundant outdoor recreation. Its urban core is more compact, and public transit options are well-utilized, contributing to a generally shorter commute.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Salt Lake City generally presents a more advantageous financial picture, primarily due to lower housing costs for renters, significantly cheaper transportation, and a much lower state income tax burden. While home purchase prices are comparable, the cumulative savings on everyday expenses and a shorter commute in Salt Lake City could translate into substantial annual savings for a household budget compared to Riverside.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 108 |
| Housing index | 134 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 89 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 122 | 95 |
| Misc index | 102 | 95 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,850/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.