Tustin, CA vs. Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Tustin or Riverside? Here’s a rapid-fire cost comparison:
- 🏘️ Median home price: $950,000 in Tustin vs. $650,000 in Riverside
- 🛒 Average grocery bill: $450/month in Riverside vs. $550 in Tustin
- 🔌 Typical utility costs: $180/month in Riverside vs. $220 in Tustin
- 🏙️ 2BR apartment rent: $2,400 in Riverside vs. $3,100 in Tustin
As you can see, Riverside tends to be more affordable across major living expenses. But which city truly fits your budget and lifestyle? This in-depth cost of living comparison will help you decide whether to call Tustin or Riverside home in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Tustin and Riverside. Here’s how typical costs compare:
| Housing Type | Tustin | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $950,000 | $650,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $3,100 | $2,400 |
| 3BR House Rent | $4,200 | $3,300 |
🏆 Winner: Riverside. You’ll spend about 30% less on housing in Riverside compared to Tustin, whether renting or buying.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, but Riverside has a slight edge:
- In Tustin, expect to pay around $220/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash service for a typical home.
- Riverside utility bills average about $180/month. The lower cost is mainly due to more moderate temperatures and less need for air conditioning.
- Both cities offer “time of use” utility pricing. Running major appliances in off-peak hours can help keep bills low.
🏆 Winner: Riverside, but only by about $40/month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Riverside also comes out ahead for everyday living costs like groceries, dining out, and household goods:
- Expect to spend around $550/month on groceries for a family of four in Tustin.
- In Riverside, that same grocery basket will cost closer to $450/month.
- A basic restaurant meal averages $18 in Riverside vs. $24 in Tustin.
🏆 Winner: Riverside. You’ll save about 15-20% on food and daily essentials compared to Tustin prices.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have their share of taxes and hidden costs to factor in:
- Tustin’s property tax rate is 1.1% vs. Riverside at 1.15%. On a $700K home, that’s a difference of $350/year.
- Many newer Tustin neighborhoods have Mello-Roos taxes up to 0.5%. Older Riverside areas are less likely to have these fees.
- In Tustin, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash. Riverside HOAs tend to cover fewer services.
🏆 Winner: Tustin, but it’s close. Riverside’s slightly higher property tax is offset by generally lower HOA and Mello-Roos in older areas.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Tustin | Riverside | Cheaper City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,100 | $2,400 | 🌇 Riverside |
| Utilities | $220 | $180 | 🌇 Riverside |
| Groceries | $550 | $450 | 🌇 Riverside |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 | 🌇 Riverside |
| Taxes | 1.1% | 1.15% | 🍊 Tustin |
| Misc Costs | $500 | $400 | 🌇 Riverside |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,450 | $3,490 |
The bottom line? Living in Riverside will cost about $1,000 less per month compared to Tustin for an equivalent lifestyle. That’s a savings of $12,000 per year on a typical household budget.
Lifestyle Fit: Tustin vs Riverside
Of course, cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Consider how each city fits your lifestyle:
- Tustin offers more upscale housing and a quick commute to Irvine and coastal job centers. But homes are pricier and lots smaller.
- Riverside has more affordable real estate, especially for families who want a spacious yard. But commutes are longer and summer temps are scorching.
- Riverside averages 12°F hotter than Tustin in July and August. But winters are slightly milder.
- Tustin is a 20-minute drive to the beach. Riverside is 50 miles inland, but has more outdoor recreation in the mountains and desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Tustin more affordable than Riverside?
No, Riverside is about 20% cheaper than Tustin overall. The biggest savings are in housing, groceries, and utilities. - Which city has lower rent?
Renting in Riverside costs around 25% less than Tustin. Expect to pay about $2,400 for a basic 2BR apartment in Riverside vs. $3,100 in Tustin. - Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Riverside home prices are significantly lower. The median home in Riverside is about $650,000, compared to $950,000 in Tustin as of 2025. - How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in each city?
In Riverside, a household income of about $5,800 per month ($70K/year) is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. Add 20% to that for Tustin’s higher cost of living.
The Verdict
So which city should you choose? It depends on your priorities and budget. Young professionals who value shorter commutes and coastal access may prefer Tustin despite the higher cost of living. Families looking for affordable housing and more space may find Riverside a better fit, if they can handle the heat and longer drives.
Ultimately, both cities offer a high quality of life – the key is finding the right balance of cost vs. amenities for your needs. Be sure to check out our full guide to the cost of living in Tustin for more details as you weigh your options.