Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 106.4 in Riverside, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 7.3% less expensive than Riverside; housing rents differ by 19% (104.5 vs 129.3). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $80,941 buys in Riverside, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Riverside | Houston vs Riverside |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 106.4 | -7.3% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 101.4 | -0.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 129.3 | -19.2% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 148.6 | -35.9% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 101.3 | -5.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 106.3 | -6.5% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Riverside | $53,961 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Riverside | $107,922 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Riverside | $161,882 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.