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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Riverside or is it cheaper to live in Tempe?
- Riverside is 16.1% more expensive than Tempe.

Which city has more affordable housing, Riverside or Tempe?
- Riverside housing costs are 28.6% more expensive than Tempe housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Tempe or is Health Care more affordable in Riverside.
- Health related expenses are 5.6% less in Riverside.
 Tempe, AZRiverside, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock131.2100
 Food & Groceries98.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.3100
 Housing138.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$590,700$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock146.1100
 Miscellaneous105.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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

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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

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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

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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 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

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