Riverside, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Riverside has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Riverside | San Diego | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 133 | 180 | Riverside |
| Housing | 156 ($1,268) | 244 ($1,556) | Riverside |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Diego |
| Food & groceries | 119 ($488) | 140 ($574) | Riverside |
| Utilities | 128 ($281) | 172 ($439) | Riverside |
| Healthcare | 128 ($203) | 172 ($317) | 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 Riverside, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper to live in?
Riverside, CA is cheaper overall by about 47 index points (Riverside, CA: 133, San Diego, CA: 180; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Riverside, CA vs San Diego, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $46,550/year in Riverside, CA and $63,000/year in San Diego, CA to cover basic living costs.