Eastvale, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Eastvale vs Riverside. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Eastvale vs Riverside in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Eastvale and Riverside compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Eastvale | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $1,900 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $650,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Riverside. Housing costs are around 20% lower in Riverside compared to Eastvale for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Eastvale, typical monthly utility costs for a 2BR apartment are around $180 for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Costs are similar in Riverside, averaging $175 per month.
Both cities have relatively mild winters, so heating costs are moderate. Summer cooling bills tend to be higher, especially in July and August. Many homes in Eastvale have solar panels which can help offset electricity costs.
🏆 Winner: Riverside, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly consistent across the region. A typical family of four might spend around $1,000 per month on groceries in either Eastvale or Riverside. Restaurant prices are also similar, with a mid-range meal for two costing about $60 in both cities.
However, Eastvale has more upscale grocery options like Whole Foods and Sprouts, while Riverside has a wider range of budget-friendly stores. This can impact your average monthly expenses in Eastvale depending on your shopping habits.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical. Your individual spending patterns matter more than the city.
4. Taxes and Fees
California has relatively high income taxes and sales taxes statewide. However, there are some differences in local taxes and fees:
- Eastvale has slightly higher property taxes, averaging 1.35% vs 1.25% in Riverside
- Many newer neighborhoods in Eastvale have Mello-Roos taxes, which can add hundreds to your monthly housing payment
- Riverside has higher business license fees and some extra city service charges
🏆 Winner: Riverside. The lack of Mello-Roos taxes gives Riverside the advantage, especially for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Eastvale | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $3,250 | $2,750 |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes (Property) | $730 | $570 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,160 | $5,445 |
Based on these estimates, the cost of living in Eastvale, CA is about $715 higher per month compared to Riverside for a typical family, largely due to housing costs and property taxes.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Riverside is more affordable overall, Eastvale has some advantages in terms of lifestyle and amenities:
- Eastvale is a newer, master-planned community with more modern housing options
- Commute times are shorter for many Eastvale residents working in Orange County or LA
- Eastvale schools rank higher than Riverside on average
However, Riverside offers more in terms of:
- Access to public transportation and walkable neighborhoods
- Closer proximity to universities and medical centers
- Slightly lower summer temperatures and more shade trees
7. FAQ
Q: Is Eastvale more affordable than Riverside?
A: No, Riverside has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. However, the difference may be worth it for some families based on schools, commute times, and housing preferences.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rents are around 20% lower in Riverside. A typical 2BR apartment rents for $1,900 in Riverside compared to $2,400 in Eastvale.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Riverside are nearly $100,000 lower than Eastvale as of 2025. First-time buyers will likely find more affordable options in Riverside.
8. Conclusion
While Riverside comes out ahead in terms of pure cost of living, the right choice depends on your family’s priorities. Young professionals and families with school-age kids may prefer Eastvale despite the higher costs. Retirees, remote workers, and those looking to maximize housing budgets will find Riverside very appealing.
Ultimately, both of these Inland Empire cities provide a relatively affordable alternative to coastal SoCal. We recommend visiting both and exploring different neighborhoods to get a sense of the right fit.