2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Riverside, CA vs Tempe, AZ

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Tempe or is it cheaper to live in Riverside?
- Tempe is 13.9% less expensive than Riverside.

Which city has more affordable housing, Tempe or Riverside?
- Tempe housing costs are 22.3% less expensive than Riverside housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Riverside or is Health Care more affordable in Tempe.
- Health related expenses are 6.0% more in Tempe.
 Riverside, CATempe, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries100.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.5100
 Housing177.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$426,900$338,100
 Utilities106  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock108.1100
 Miscellaneous112.3  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 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 7 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

Reviews for Tempe    22 Reviews

Tempe is a very unique case of a College Town that has quickly become a Small College City or a Small City. It used to be where there was small pockets of walkability  More

   |    Reply

Tempe is a small city that definitely has nice areas, nice weather, the people are always good, and it is home of ASU. The Tempe town council has done a good job towards  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Lived in Arizona 55 yrs Phoenix /Tempe lost my job and got a offer to keep my job but had to move Fall River MA. I will take the heat over days of cold anytime . January  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Tempe


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.