Corona, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Corona vs Riverside. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Corona vs Riverside in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Corona and Riverside compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Corona | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,350 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $725,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Riverside. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be 10-15% lower in Riverside compared to Corona.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with average monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $120-150
- Gas: $40-60
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-100
Both cities see higher AC usage in the hot summer months. Riverside offers a seasonal “off-peak” electric plan that can help lower costs.
🏆 Winner: Riverside, but only slightly. The off-peak savings give it a small edge.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Corona and Riverside. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month for a typical family. Eating out is also comparable, with dinners ranging from $12-15 at casual spots to $30+ at nicer restaurants.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Day-to-day expenses are very similar in both cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax rate is 7.25%, but most cities add their own local sales taxes on top of that:
- Corona Sales Tax: 8.75%
- Riverside Sales Tax: 8.75%
Property taxes are also similar, around 1.15% of assessed value annually. Corona’s city service fees tend to be a bit higher though, and HOAs are more common, adding $200-400/month.
🏆 Winner: Riverside. Lower city fees and fewer HOAs give Riverside a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Corona | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,200 | $2,900 |
| Utilities | $300 | $280 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes & Fees | $350 | $300 |
| Misc Costs | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total* | $5,050 | $4,660 |
*Based on gross monthly income (pre-tax), for a typical family
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are important, your lifestyle preferences also matter. A few key differences:
- Corona offers more spacious homes and lots, but Riverside is more walkable
- Commutes are longer from Corona (45+ min to LA or OC)
- Riverside averages 5°F hotter than Corona in the summer months
7. FAQ
Is Corona more affordable than Riverside?
No, Riverside has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. See our full cost of living guide for Corona.
Which city has lower rent?
Rents are about 10% lower in Riverside. A typical 2BR apartment runs $2,100, vs. $2,350 in Corona.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Riverside. The median home price is around $650,000, compared to $725,000 in Corona as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While Corona and Riverside are similar in many ways, Riverside comes out ahead on overall affordability. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with Riverside offering cheaper rents and home prices.
For families craving space, Corona’s larger homes and yards may be worth the premium. But for young professionals or those who prefer a walkable urban feel, Riverside likely makes more sense.
Ultimately, both cities provide a relatively affordable slice of Southern California living. To see how your budget might look in Corona, check out our sample monthly budgets for various income levels.