2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Mateo, CA vs Riverside, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Riverside or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Riverside is 47.5% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Riverside or San Mateo?
- Riverside housing costs are 67.0% less expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Riverside.
- Health related expenses are 25.6% less in Riverside.
 San Mateo, CARiverside, CAUnited States
 Overall250.0131.2100
 Food & Groceries116.7100.4100
 Health117.487.3100
 Housing537.6177.5100
 Median Home Cost$1,378,900$590,700$338,100
 Utilities9,190.0%10,600.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation143.4146.1100
 Miscellaneous161.7112.3100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 14 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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Reviews for Riverside    42 Reviews

I've lived in Riverside for 54 years. It changed a LOT when people from LA started moving here in droves. Still, I have never been robbed or assaulted but I am  More

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I'm from Orange County (OC). I have had nothing but trouble since moving to Riverside. 1. The dogs are aggressive guard dogs. If you want to walk or bike you  More

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Over 6 years ago

Whew where to begin with dear old riverside. I enjoyed growing up here until my high school years (back in 2011). In 7 short years the downward deterioration of the  More

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