Home / Compare / Riverside vs San Buenaventura (Ventura)

Riverside, CA vs San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA

137
Riverside
California
VS
-18.2%
167
San Buenaventura (Ventura)
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Riverside is 18.2% cheaper than San Buenaventura (Ventura). With a cost index of 137 vs 167, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Riverside to San Buenaventura (Ventura) should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month compared to $2,101/month in San Buenaventura (Ventura) — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Riverside is more affordable at $542,100 median vs $778,700.

Median household income in Riverside is $88,575 compared to $100,407 in San Buenaventura (Ventura) (-11.8%). The higher salaries in San Buenaventura (Ventura) partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Riverside spend roughly 24.5% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in San Buenaventura (Ventura).

Climate-wise, Riverside is notably warmer with an average of 66.2°F compared to 61.2°F in San Buenaventura (Ventura). San Buenaventura (Ventura) receives more rainfall at 12.9" per year compared to 9.4" in Riverside.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Riverside
137
18% cheaper
San Buenaventura (Ventura)
167
Median Household Income
Riverside
$88,575
San Buenaventura (Ventura)
$100,407
12% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Riverside
$1,812
14% cheaper
San Buenaventura (Ventura)
$2,101
Median Home Value
Riverside
$542,100
30% cheaper
San Buenaventura (Ventura)
$778,700
Population
Riverside
316,241
San Buenaventura (Ventura)
109,900

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Riverside $2,020
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $2,042
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Riverside $2,148
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $2,301
7% cheaper
2 Bed
Riverside $2,675
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $2,752
3% cheaper
3 Bed
Riverside $3,520
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $3,726
6% cheaper
4 Bed
Riverside $4,178
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $4,321
3% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Riverside $3.13
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Riverside $2.55
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Riverside $4.11
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Riverside $1.89
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Riverside $4.22
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Riverside $0.31
San Buenaventura (Ventura) $0.26
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Riverside 66.2°F
San Buenaventura (Ventura) 61.2°F
Summer High
Riverside 93°F
San Buenaventura (Ventura) 73°F
Winter Low
Riverside 44°F
San Buenaventura (Ventura) 46°F
Rainfall
Riverside 9.4"
San Buenaventura (Ventura) 12.9"
Rainy Days
Riverside 35d
San Buenaventura (Ventura) 44d