Norco, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Norco vs Riverside. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Norco vs Riverside in 2025.
Imagine Sophia, a marketing manager, is considering a job offer in Norco with a $5,500 monthly salary. Her friend Liam has a similar role in Riverside earning $5,200 per month. How would their lifestyles compare?
Sophia finds a nice 2BR apartment in Norco for $2,100/month. Liam pays $1,800 for a comparable place in Riverside. They both spend around $400 on utilities.
For groceries, Sophia’s monthly bill comes to $500 while Liam spends $450 by shopping at discount stores in Riverside. They eat out a few times a week, costing Sophia $300 and Liam $250.
So before even considering extra expenses, Sophia has $2,200 left over each month in Norco compared to Liam’s $2,300 in Riverside. The higher salary in Norco is offset by steeper housing and food costs.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s a quick comparison of median rent prices in Norco and Riverside:
| Housing Type | Norco | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,100 | $1,800 |
| 3BR House | $2,800 | $2,500 |
🏆 Winner: Riverside. Rent prices are about 14% lower in Riverside compared to Norco for equivalent housing.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between Norco and Riverside. Expect to pay around $150-200 for electricity, $50-75 for water, and $50-100 for gas per month for a 2BR apartment. Both cities offer off-peak and energy-saving programs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices tend to be 5-10% higher in Norco compared to Riverside. A gallon of milk averages $4.50 in Norco vs $4 in Riverside. Restaurants are also pricier – a basic meal out costs $18 in Norco but $15 in Riverside.
🏆 Winner: Riverside. Expect to save $50-100/month on food and daily expenses in Riverside.
4. Taxes and Fees
Norco has a slightly higher sales tax rate at 7.75% compared to Riverside’s 7.5%. Property tax rates are similar around 1.1-1.2% of assessed value. Both cities charge around $50-75/year for residential services like trash and sewer.
🏆 Winner: Riverside, but only marginally. Taxes and fees are comparable.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense | Norco | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Apt) | $2,100 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $400 | $400 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Misc/Entertainment | $500 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,700 in Norco | $3,200 in Riverside |
Note: All income and expense figures represent gross pre-tax amounts.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Norco offers a quieter, more rural feel with larger properties and horse trails throughout the city. Commutes are longer, but you get more space for your money.
Riverside provides an urban-suburban mix with more walkable areas, public transit, and closer proximity to LA/Orange County. Summers average 5°F hotter than in Norco.
7. FAQ
Is Norco more affordable than Riverside?
No, Riverside has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing and food costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Riverside rent prices are around 14% lower than Norco for comparable apartments and houses.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Riverside has lower median home prices, but Norco offers larger lot sizes for the money. Use a monthly budget calculator to compare purchase scenarios.
8. Conclusion
While Norco offers a desirable rural lifestyle, Riverside is more affordable for most households. Assuming equal income, expect to have $400-500 more in disposable income per month living in Riverside compared to Norco.
However, Norco can be a great fit if you value space, quiet, and a small-town feel. Weigh the full cost of living factors to make the best choice for your priorities and budget.
Considering other California cities? Check out our cost of living comparisons for San Diego vs Los Angeles or Sacramento vs San Francisco.