Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 106.4 in Riverside, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 1.7% more expensive than Riverside; housing rents differ by 15% (148.4 vs 129.3). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $73,736 buys in Riverside, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Riverside | Boston vs Riverside |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 106.4 | +1.7% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 101.4 | -1.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 129.3 | +14.8% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 148.6 | +0.1% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 101.3 | +2.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 106.3 | +1.3% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Riverside | $49,158 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Riverside | $98,315 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Riverside | $147,473 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.