Jurupa Valley, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Jurupa Valley vs Riverside. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Jurupa Valley vs Riverside in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Jurupa Valley and Riverside. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Jurupa Valley | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,950 | $2,200 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $550,000 | $625,000 |
🏆 Winner: Jurupa Valley
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Jurupa Valley has slightly lower electricity rates on average. Expect monthly utility bills around:
- Jurupa Valley: $180-$220
- Riverside: $200-$240
Both cities offer off-peak energy plans that can help reduce costs. Air conditioning bills will be higher in the summer months.
🏆 Winner: Jurupa Valley
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are comparable between Jurupa Valley and Riverside. A typical family might spend $800-$1000 per month on food in either city.
Some specific items like milk and eggs tend to be slightly cheaper in Jurupa Valley, while produce prices are nearly identical. Fast food and casual dining costs are also very close.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are the main difference in this category:
- Jurupa Valley property tax rate: 1.15%
- Riverside property tax rate: 1.25%
For a $500,000 home, that equates to paying about $500 more per year in property taxes in Riverside.
HOA fees and city service charges are similar. In Jurupa Valley, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while it varies more in Riverside.
🏆 Winner: Jurupa Valley
Cost Summary
| Category | Jurupa Valley | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,750 | $3,125 |
| Utilities | $200 | $220 |
| Groceries | $900 | $900 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes (1.15% vs 1.25%) | $525 | $570 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,375 | $5,765 |
Lifestyle Fit
Jurupa Valley offers more affordable housing and slightly lower costs overall, but Riverside has advantages in other areas:
- Riverside has more public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car.
- Riverside is more walkable and bike-friendly, while Jurupa Valley is more spread out and car-dependent.
- Riverside has a larger downtown area with more dining, nightlife and cultural amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jurupa Valley more affordable than Riverside?
Yes, Jurupa Valley has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing costs. See a full breakdown of average monthly expenses in Jurupa Valley.
Which city has lower rent?
Jurupa Valley has lower average rent prices. A 2BR apartment is about $250 cheaper per month compared to Riverside.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices are roughly $75,000 lower in Jurupa Valley than Riverside for a comparable 3BR house. Jurupa Valley also has slightly lower property taxes.
Conclusion
In summary, Jurupa Valley is the more affordable place to live, with lower costs for housing, utilities, and taxes. A household moving from Riverside to Jurupa Valley might save $400 per month on major expenses.
However, Riverside offers more amenities and a lifestyle that some may prefer, with better public transit, walkability, and entertainment options. It comes down to budget and personal priorities.
For more cost of living comparisons, check out our other breakdowns of cities across California and the U.S.