2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Gainesville, FL vs Riverside, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Riverside or is it cheaper to live in Gainesville?
- Riverside is 42.3% more expensive than Gainesville.

Which city has more affordable housing, Riverside or Gainesville?
- Riverside housing costs are 125.5% more expensive than Gainesville housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Gainesville or is Health Care more affordable in Riverside.
- Health related expenses are 18.9% less in Riverside.
 Gainesville, FLRiverside, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock131.2100
 Food & Groceries99.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.3100
 Housing78.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$590,700$338,100
 Utilities105  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock146.1100
 Miscellaneous104.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Gainesville    60 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I've lived here most of my life. It's changed a lot, and a lot of the locals don't like it. Because it's home to one of the largest universities in the country, we see a  More

   |    Reply

Lovely diverse city! People is nice and there is always something to do. Outdoors activities are awesome! The springs are beautiful and there are plenty of hiking  More

   |    Reply

Gainesville has the highest taxes and electrical rates in the state. The city is run by a bunch of liberals who have no idea what they are doing. Crime and homelessness  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Gainesville

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Over 8 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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Riverside


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.