Austin and Riverside, although belonging to different states, both offer unique attractions to both residents and tourists alike. Each city has its peculiarities, strengths, and areas that could be improved. The comparison of these two regions involves various aspects, including safety, weather, economy, education, real estate, and cultural factors.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Riverside, CA : 1,175.0 miles
Austin's population is larger by 204%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Riverside has grown by 62,095 people (24.3%) during that time.
Austin, TX, consistently ranks as one of the safest major cities in America. The city's crime rates are lower than the national average, with property crimes being more common than violent crimes. On the other hand, Riverside, CA, has higher crime rates in comparison to Austin, with the crime rate being above the national average. The most frequent crimes in Riverside are property offenses, similar to Austin.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 616 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Riverside is 527 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Austin than in Riverside.
Cost of Living
Austin has a relatively higher cost of living compared to other cities in Texas but is still lower compared to Riverside. Housing, in particular, is more expensive in Riverside than Austin. In terms of food, healthcare, and transportation, both cities have relatively comparable costs.
Income Tax
Texas, including Austin, does not have a state income tax, a huge advantage for residents. However, California residents, including those from Riverside, do pay a state income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income brackets.
Property Tax
Average property tax rates in Austin are about 1.83%, which is relatively high. Conversely, Riverside residents face a lower property tax rate averaging at 1.07%.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Austin is 8.25%, with no additional city sales tax. In Riverside, the total sales tax rate is 7.75%, with a 1.75% city sales tax. This difference in sales tax might have an impact on daily shopping and can add up over time.
Income
Type
Austin
Riverside
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$76,558
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$29,013
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
83
If you make $50,000 in Riverside, you will have to make $58,072 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in South Central Texas and is characterized by abundant green spaces, hills, and being home to part of the Colorado River. Riverside, located in Southern California, is known for its rolling hills, natural parks, and proximity to the picturesque Pacific coast.
Austin is home to many prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin, providing high-quality education. Similarly, Riverside houses the University of California, Riverside, and numerous community colleges. There is an emphasis on education in both cities making them an excellent place for families.
Austin has a robust job market, with tech and creative industries thriving. Conversely, Riverside has a diverse economy with healthcare, education, and retail trade as the city’s major industries. Unemployment rates in both cities are relatively similar, slightly below the national average.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Austin include the tech giants Apple, Dell, and IBM, as well as the State of Texas and the University of Texas at Austin. In Riverside, top employers include the county of Riverside, University of California, Riverside, and Kaiser Permanente.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 293 building permits issued in Riverside in 2012 (250 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Riverside (Riverside County), 49.6% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
2020
71.7%
53.0%
26.5%
45.0%
1.8%
2.0%
2016
65.8%
49.7%
27.2%
44.4%
7.0%
5.9%
2012
60.2%
49.6%
36.2%
48.0%
3.6%
2.4%
2008
63.8%
50.4%
34.4%
48.1%
1.8%
1.5%
2004
56.1%
41.3%
42.1%
58.2%
1.8%
0.6%
2000
41.7%
45.0%
47.0%
51.6%
11.3%
3.4%
1996
52.4%
43.0%
40.0%
45.6%
7.7%
11.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
27.5%
4.5%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
1.2%
22.8%
11.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.2%
2.8%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.5%
0.7%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.3%
2.5%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
2.1%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.9%
1.0%
3.4%
Weather
Weather-wise, Austin has a more humid climate with hot summers and mild winters, perfect for people who love warm weather. Riverside, on the other hand, has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Both cities are sunny for the majority of the year which makes them great for outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Riverside
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
66°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
66.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
21.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
73.5%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
52.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
10.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
27.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
78.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
84.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
62.6%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
4.5 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Riverside, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
Riverside
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
Austin
Riverside
2018
76
153
N/A
0.35
4.9
14.4
26.7
29.8
0.006
N/A
44.6
N/A
8.7
13.6
0.2
0.4
2017
76
151
N/A
0.34
4.6
14.7
29.7
31.5
0.004
N/A
48.4
N/A
8.3
14.8
0.3
0.3
2016
71
140
N/A
0.33
4.2
14.8
29.5
30.9
0.006
N/A
44.4
N/A
8.2
14.5
0.2
0.2
2015
78
147
N/A
0.33
4.4
14.5
28.9
30.8
0.004
N/A
43.6
N/A
8.6
15.4
0.3
0.3
2014
74
147
N/A
0.37
5.2
15.9
28.3
30.7
0.006
N/A
34.1
N/A
8.7
16.5
0.5
0.3
2013
78
147
0.09
0.38
5.5
16.4
29.5
29.2
0.006
N/A
33.2
N/A
8.6
16.4
0.5
0.2
2012
86
148
0.13
0.35
5.5
16.4
30.1
30.2
0.007
N/A
32.3
N/A
8.6
16.0
N/A
0.3
2011
83
150
0.11
0.37
2.6
16.3
33.0
32.0
0.006
N/A
33.1
N/A
9.1
15.2
N/A
0.3
2010
77
144
0.05
0.42
3.2
17.8
29.4
30.9
0.008
N/A
31.9
N/A
8.8
15.5
N/A
1.3
2009
76
151
0.05
0.37
2.6
20.0
29.7
29.0
0.009
N/A
38.0
N/A
9.0
19.6
N/A
1.5
2008
81
157
0.12
0.41
3.2
20.5
30.7
30.0
0.010
N/A
43.6
N/A
9.7
16.3
N/A
0.9
2007
82
135
0.12
0.65
3.1
20.8
27.1
28.3
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
1.6
2006
89
129
0.14
0.58
3.8
21.0
31.3
28.0
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.2
1.4
2005
92
134
0.15
0.53
4.4
22.8
29.0
27.3
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.2
3.3
2004
74
142
0.16
0.72
3.3
18.5
26.8
29.5
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
2003
85
144
0.26
0.75
4.2
22.7
28.9
28.5
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
2.0
2002
83
142
0.33
0.82
3.9
24.9
27.2
28.5
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.2
2001
83
145
0.31
0.79
4.2
25.7
25.5
26.1
0.025
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2000
86
157
0.28
0.82
4.7
24.2
27.8
25.0
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Riverside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
17.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
7,322.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
46%
Transportation
In terms of transportation, Austin's Capital Metro provides bus and train services throughout the city. Austin also has bike and car-sharing programs. Riverside, on the other hand, relies heavily on cars for commuting, but also has the Riverside Transit Agency for bus services and Metrolink train service to Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.
Transport
Type
Austin
Riverside
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Riverside
Bicycle
0.8%
0.5%
Bus
1.5%
0.9%
Carpooled
7.9%
9%
Car alone
85.9%
85.7%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Riverside
Average
29.9 min
31.3 min
Other means
22.7 min
28.7 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Riverside
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
91.2%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin is relatively expensive compared to other Texan cities but still cheaper than in Riverside. The housing market in Riverside is considerably more costly, leading to higher rental and property acquisition costs.
Neighborhoods
The capital of Texas has a variety of exciting neighborhoods including Downtown Austin, South Austin, and Hyde Park, each with its unique charm and reputation. Riverside similarly offers diverse neighborhoods like Downtown Riverside, Canyon Crest, and La Sierra. Both cities offer urban, suburban, and even rural living options.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Riverside
Houses
469,156
94,246
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.2
Median year apartment built
1997
1982
Median year house/condo built
1988
1974
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
14.2 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
91,110 (96.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
51,211 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
39,899 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,277
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,680
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$414,585
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$483,300
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$548,362
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$525,372
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$450,463
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$408,213
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$81,780
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$442,670
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$529,360
Median house age
28
44
Renting percentage
54.9%
44.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
1,206.8
House value disparities
28.4%
21%
Household income disparities
44.8%
40.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$104,161
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$71,925
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
393 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
1,312 (3.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
39,744 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
123 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
2,112 (5.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
2.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Riverside
One, detached
43.1%
63.1%
One, attached
5.2%
5.6%
Two
2.4%
1.1%
3 or 4
4.1%
3.7%
5 to 9
7.2%
6.8%
10 to 19
11.0%
7.0%
20 to 49
8.9%
4.6%
50 or more
17.2%
6.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.8%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
8,164
State government workers
46,229
8,293
Unpaid family workers
102
199
Industries and Occupations
Tech, education, and healthcare dominate Austin's industry landscape. Tech giants like Dell and IBM have regional offices in the city. In Riverside, the healthcare sector is the city's largest employer, along with the university and county education institutions.
Both Austin and Riverside are served by many excellent healthcare facilities. Austin's prominent healthcare providers include Ascension Seton and St. David's HealthCare. Riverside has Riverside Community Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center among others, each providing top-notch healthcare services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Riverside
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin offers a blend of historic and modern architecture, with well-constructed roads and public facilities. In Riverside, one can experience the city's rich history through its preserved architectural landmarks. Both cities are continuously improving their infrastructure to accommodate their growing populations.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Riverside
Hospitals
65
20
TV stations
20
5
Bank branches located here
264
61
Bank institutions located here
43
18
Main business address for public companies
44
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Riverside
1999
4,733
794
2000
2,950
375
2001
2,038
310
2002
1,772
405
2003
2,213
1,399
2004
2,458
1,892
2005
3,121
2,728
2006
3,367
3,235
2007
2,560
1,568
2008
1,747
544
2009
1,067
285
Culture and Food
Austin is known as the live music capital of the world with its numerous music festivals. The city also has a thriving food scene, with barbecue and Mexican cuisine being iconic. Riverside, on the other hand, is known for its cultural festivals, historic sites, and California-style Mexican cuisine.
Sports Teams
Austin is home to many sports teams including Austin FC in Major League Soccer and the Round Rock Express, a Minor League Baseball team. Meanwhile, Riverside has no major league sports teams but fans can find games at University of California, Riverside, which competes in NCAA Division I sports.
Austin, TX
Riverside, CA
Austin, TX and 
Riverside, CA : 1,175.0 miles
