Riverside vs San Francisco: cost of living compared
San Francisco is 82% more expensive than Riverside overall.
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
San Francisco stands out as a significantly more expensive place to live compared to Riverside. While both metros have costs above the national average, the difference is substantial, primarily driven by the dramatic disparity in housing expenses. Other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to San Francisco's higher overall cost, making Riverside a considerably more budget-friendly option for many everyday needs.
Housing
Housing costs present the most striking difference. Buying a home or renting a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is vastly more expensive than in Riverside. San Francisco often features a denser urban landscape with a mix of historic and modern multi-unit dwellings, while Riverside typically offers more suburban-style homes, often on larger lots, which can influence property taxes and insurance costs differently.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also vary. San Francisco has higher costs for food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Riverside. Transportation costs are also elevated in San Francisco, though average commute times are roughly similar in both metros. State income tax rates are generally comparable across California, so this factor does not create a significant difference between the two locations.
Lifestyle trade-offs
The lifestyle differences are notable. San Francisco offers a dense, walkable urban environment with extensive public transit, often characterized by cooler, foggier weather. Riverside, in contrast, is more spread out, typically requiring a car for most errands, and experiences a hotter, drier climate. San Francisco is known for its vibrant cultural scene, while Riverside offers access to a variety of outdoor activities in the surrounding region.
Bottom line
Moving from Riverside to San Francisco would entail a substantial increase in household expenses, primarily due to the much higher cost of housing. Conversely, a move from San Francisco to Riverside would likely free up a significant portion of a household budget. While some daily costs remain elevated in Riverside compared to the national average, they are considerably lower than in San Francisco, offering greater financial breathing room.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 215 |
| Housing index | 134 | 309 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 135 |
| Food index | 105 | 125 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 122 |
| Utilities index | 122 | 148 |
| Misc index | 102 | 138 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,850/mo | $3,450/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Francisco home with the True Cost Calculator.