salaryMesa is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Riverside to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,826
$2,420
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$2,020
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$98,192
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$584,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
106.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$3,428
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$163
👥 People living there
511,764
319,069
Commute to work
24.7 min
31.3 min
College degree
32.5%
25.7%
Own their home
64.4%
56.8%
Below poverty line
10.3%
12.2%
Unemployment
4.2%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 4 more.
- Pick Riverside for higher incomes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | Riverside | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $98,520 | +66% in Riverside |
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | $133,940 | +33% in Riverside |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $79,160 | +28% in Riverside |
| Civil Engineer | $90,330 | $115,120 | +27% in Riverside |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $47,530 | $34,800 | -27% in Riverside |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,270 | $169,920 | +25% in Riverside |
| Physician Assistant | $134,650 | $165,490 | +23% in Riverside |
| Police Officer | $85,050 | $101,870 | +20% in Riverside |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Mesa is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,826 a month there versus $2,420 in Riverside.
What salary do I need in Riverside to match $60,000 in Mesa?
About $61,815 a year gives the same standard of living in Riverside.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or Riverside?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $98,192 in Riverside, 9% more in Riverside.