2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Diego, CA vs Riverside, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Riverside or is it cheaper to live in San Diego?
- Riverside is 15.3% less expensive than San Diego.

Which city has more affordable housing, Riverside or San Diego?
- Riverside housing costs are 36.2% less expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Diego or is Health Care more affordable in Riverside.
- Health related expenses are 1.9% less in Riverside.
 San Diego, CARiverside, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock131.2100
 Food & Groceries109.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.3100
 Housing278.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$590,700$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock146.1100
 Miscellaneous153.9  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 San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

   |    Reply

The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Diego

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


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.