Quick answer
Overall prices in the Riverside, CA metro were 106.4 vs 111.9 in San Diego, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Riverside is 4.9% less expensive than San Diego; housing rents differ by 28% (129.3 vs 179.3). A $75,000 income in Riverside buys about what $78,837 buys in San Diego, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Riverside | San Diego | Riverside vs San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 106.4 | 111.9 | -4.9% |
| Goods | 101.4 | 108.0 | -6.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 129.3 | 179.3 | -27.9% |
| Utilities | 148.6 | 174.2 | -14.7% |
| Other services | 101.3 | 99.6 | +1.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 106.3 | 113.7 | -6.5% |
| $50,000 in Riverside equals in San Diego | $52,558 | ||
| $100,000 in Riverside equals in San Diego | $105,115 | ||
| $150,000 in Riverside equals in San Diego | $157,673 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.