Perris, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which California city wins on cost in 2025: Perris or Riverside? This article provides a head-to-head cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in these two Inland Empire cities.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices stack up in Perris vs Riverside:
| Housing Type | Perris | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,650 | $1,950 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Perris. Housing costs an estimated 15-20% less in Perris compared to Riverside, a savings of $300+ per month on rent alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a typical apartment. Both have hot summers that drive up AC usage.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility costs.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items cost about the same in Perris and Riverside. Budget $400-500 per month for food for a single person, or $800-1000 for a family. Eating out is also comparable, with fast casual meals around $12-15 and nice dinners $30+.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Expect similar prices at the supermarket and restaurants.
Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax rate is 7.25%. Riverside adds an extra 1% for a total of 8.25%, while Perris has a lower 7.75% rate. Property taxes are also slightly lower in Perris at a 1.1% average vs 1.2% in Riverside.
🏆 Winner: Perris. Lower sales and property tax rates add up to decent savings for Perris residents.
Cost Summary
| Category | Perris | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,650 | $1,950 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes (1.1% vs 1.2% Property Tax) | $413 | $550 |
| Misc Costs | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,438 | $3,825 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Perris is more affordable, Riverside offers more amenities, walkability, and public transit. Perris has a quieter, suburban feel with more space. Summers are a few degrees cooler in Perris than Riverside.
Riverside’s larger size means more job opportunities, dining, and entertainment options. But it also has more traffic and noise. Perris can be a good fit for those prioritizing affordability and a calmer pace of life.
FAQ
Is Perris more affordable than Riverside?
Yes, the cost of living is an estimated 10-15% lower in Perris compared to Riverside, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Perris has lower rental rates, with a typical 2BR apartment costing around $1,650 per month vs $1,950 in Riverside.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices are about $100,000 less in Perris than Riverside, around $450,000 compared to $550,000 for a 3BR house.
The Bottom Line
Perris comes out ahead on overall affordability, largely due to lower housing costs. A household could save $300-500 per month on rent or mortgage by choosing Perris over Riverside.
However, Riverside’s higher cost of living comes with benefits like more amenities, jobs, and transportation. It ultimately depends on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
For more details, check out these sample monthly budgets for Perris in 2025 and a full cost of living breakdown for Perris with housing, groceries, taxes and more.