Orange, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Orange vs Riverside. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Orange vs Riverside in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Orange and Riverside stack up:
| Housing Type | Orange | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $950,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Riverside. Housing costs are significantly lower in Riverside compared to Orange.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can add up, especially in the hot summers. A typical household in Orange pays around $250/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. In Riverside, the average is closer to $200/month.
Both cities offer “time of use” plans to save by using less energy during peak hours. Riverside also has slightly lower water costs.
🏆 Winner: Riverside edges out Orange on utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, costs are fairly similar between Orange and Riverside. A gallon of milk averages $4.50 in both cities, while a loaf of bread is around $3.
Eating out is also comparable, with a basic meal for two costing $50-60 in either city. However, Riverside has a few more discount grocery options.
🏆 Winner: Riverside, but only slightly. Grocery costs are nearly equal.
4. Taxes and Fees
California has relatively high income taxes statewide. Property taxes are 1.1% in Orange County vs 1.0% in Riverside County. For a $750K home, that’s a difference of $750/year.
In Orange, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Riverside has more communities without HOAs. City service fees are similar.
🏆 Winner: Riverside has a slight edge with lower property taxes and fewer HOAs.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Orange | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,950 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $250 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $480 |
| Transportation | $130 | $140 |
| Taxes | $1,100 | $950 |
| Misc | $650 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,580 | $5,070 |
Note: All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Riverside is more affordable, there are tradeoffs. Orange is closer to the coast, has easier access to Los Angeles and San Diego, and boasts great schools. It’s also very walkable and bikeable.
Riverside has more space for the money, lower density, and a slower pace of life. Homes in Riverside are nearly 40% larger on average. However, commutes are longer and summer temperatures are scorching.
7. FAQs
- Is Orange more affordable than Riverside? No, Riverside has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rents are around 20% lower in Riverside for comparable apartments.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Riverside homes cost over $300,000 less than Orange on average.
8. Conclusion
Riverside offers significant savings compared to Orange, especially for housing. A household moving from Orange to Riverside might save $1,500/month on living costs alone. However, Orange provides a coastal lifestyle, shorter commutes, and top schools.
Young professionals may prefer walkable Orange, while families seeking space lean toward Riverside. Of course, the right fit depends on your specific needs. Be sure to check out our other cost of living guides for Orange and sample monthly budgets to dive deeper.