Moving from Austin to Riverside (2026)
Riverside has a COL index of 117 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$24/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
122117
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,750
per month
State tax
None9.3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,159
per month
Salary needed in Riverside to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Riverside |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,361 |
| $50K | $47,951 |
| $60K | $57,541 |
| $75K | $71,926 |
| $80K | $76,721 |
| $100K | $95,902 |
| $120K | $115,082 |
| $150K | $143,852 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Riverside
| Expense | Austin | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $372 | $395 |
| Transport | $50 | $72 |
| Utilities | $170 | $148 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $1,726 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverside cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Riverside has a cost of living index of 117 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Riverside?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Riverside could save roughly $24/month on core expenses. That's ~$288/year.
What salary do I need in Riverside to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $71,926/year in Riverside. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Riverside to AustinAustin vs Riverside — full comparisonAustin cost of livingRiverside cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only