Irvine, CA vs Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Riverside has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Irvine | Riverside | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 225 | 133 | Riverside |
| Housing | 320 ($2,025) | 156 ($1,268) | Riverside |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Irvine |
| Food & groceries | 174 ($713) | 119 ($488) | Riverside |
| Utilities | 210 ($576) | 128 ($281) | Riverside |
| Healthcare | 210 ($416) | 128 ($203) | Riverside |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Irvine, CA or Riverside, CA cheaper to live in?
Riverside, CA is cheaper overall by about 92 index points (Irvine, CA: 225, Riverside, CA: 133; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Irvine, CA vs Riverside, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $78,750/year in Irvine, CA and $46,550/year in Riverside, CA to cover basic living costs.