The comparison between Bronx, NY, and Riverside, CA, involves various factors. From weather and cost of living, to culture and sports teams, both locations have unique attributes. Considering crime and safety, Bronx may have higher rates, while Riverside's weather remains more consistent throughout the year. The cost of living in Bronx is usually higher, primarily due to housing costs. Despite these differences, both cities offer ample job opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, and access to quality education and healthcare.
Unfortunately, both Bronx and Riverside experience crime, albeit at varying rates. Bronx has higher crime rates than the national average, primarily due to its dense urban environment. However, crime rates have been steadily decreasing over the years, with community and police initiatives working hard to make improvements. Riverside, while still hosting some crime, generally enjoys lower rates in comparison to national averages.
Cost of Living
Living in Riverside is generally less expensive than in Bronx. Housing is the biggest factor in cost differences. In the Bronx, rent and real estate prices are typically higher due to its proximity to Manhattan and premium city amenities. On the other hand, Riverside's cost of living is slightly above the national average, significantly lower than many California cities.
Income Tax
Both New York and California impose state income taxes. New York's rates range from 4% to 8.82%, while California's range from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in the Bronx, as part of New York City, are typically lower than the national average. However, due to high property values, the total paid may be significant. In Riverside, the property tax rate is also below the national average but owing to lower property prices, the total amount paid is generally less.
Sales Tax
New York City, including the Bronx, imposes a combined 8.875% sales tax. In contrast, Riverside has a 7.75% tax rate. These rates reflect collections by the state, city, and county.
Income
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$76,558
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$29,013
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
83
If you make $50,000 in Riverside, you will have to make $104,096 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx is in a classic urban setting, while Riverside enjoys a more spaced-out, suburban lay of the land. Riverside is surrounded by mountains and enjoys proximity to beautiful beaches, while the Bronx is close to water bodies like the Hudson River and has easy access to nearby beaches.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Land area
42 sq. miles
78.1 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
4,062.3 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Riverside, CA
Education
Both Bronx and Riverside have access to quality education. Bronx is home to Fordham University and hosts part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Riverside hosts several universities, such as the University of California, Riverside, making it a college town of sorts. Both cities have public and private school options for K-12.
While both locations offer numerous job opportunities, the economic sectors differ. Bronx, with its close proximity to Manhattan, has ample job opportunities in industries like healthcare, education, and the arts. Riverside's economy is directed by sectors like education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Both cities enjoy a diverse range of job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
Some of the biggest employers in the Bronx include the New York City government, Montefiore Medical Center, and the Department of Education. In Riverside, top employers include the County of Riverside, Riverside Unified School District, and University of California-Riverside.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% 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
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
2020
83.7%
53.0%
16.0%
45.0%
0.3%
2.0%
2016
88.6%
49.7%
9.5%
44.4%
2.0%
5.9%
2012
91.9%
49.6%
8.1%
48.0%
0.0%
2.4%
2008
89.0%
50.4%
11.0%
48.1%
0.0%
1.5%
2004
82.9%
41.3%
16.5%
58.2%
0.6%
0.6%
2000
86.5%
45.0%
11.8%
51.6%
1.7%
3.4%
1996
85.8%
43.0%
10.5%
45.6%
3.7%
11.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
27.5%
11.5%
4.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
0.5%
3.9%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.0%
4.4%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.9%
6.5%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
3.7%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.2%
2.4%
11.2%
Weather
In terms of climate, the two cities could not be more different. The Riverside area is known for its perpetually sunny and warm weather, with mild winters. The Bronx, on the other hand, experiences a typical northeastern climate. This includes hot, humid summers and cold winters, with moderate to heavy snowfall. These variations can greatly influence individual preference when deciding between the two cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
66°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
66.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
21.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
73.5%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
52.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
10.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
27.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
78.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
21.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
84.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
62.6%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
4.5 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Riverside, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
Bronx
Riverside
2018
102
153
0.31
0.35
15.8
14.4
24.4
29.8
N/A
0.006
N/A
44.6
7.4
13.6
0.6
0.4
2017
100
151
0.04
0.34
15.7
14.7
24.6
31.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
48.4
7.0
14.8
0.6
0.3
2016
98
140
0.30
0.33
16.4
14.8
24.6
30.9
N/A
0.006
N/A
44.4
7.2
14.5
0.8
0.2
2015
105
147
0.28
0.33
18.0
14.5
23.6
30.8
N/A
0.004
N/A
43.6
8.6
15.4
1.4
0.3
2014
99
147
0.32
0.37
18.0
15.9
23.6
30.7
N/A
0.006
N/A
34.1
8.4
16.5
1.7
0.3
2013
103
147
0.39
0.38
18.9
16.4
23.5
29.2
N/A
0.006
N/A
33.2
9.3
16.4
2.1
0.2
2012
104
148
0.44
0.35
18.8
16.4
23.9
30.2
N/A
0.007
N/A
32.3
9.7
16.0
3.1
0.3
2011
113
150
0.46
0.37
20.9
16.3
22.1
32.0
N/A
0.006
N/A
33.1
11.6
15.2
4.5
0.3
2010
113
144
0.53
0.42
20.2
17.8
23.7
30.9
N/A
0.008
N/A
31.9
10.8
15.5
4.7
1.3
2009
107
151
0.53
0.37
22.3
20.0
19.5
29.0
N/A
0.009
N/A
38.0
10.8
19.6
5.4
1.5
2008
114
157
0.53
0.41
23.3
20.5
19.9
30.0
0.013
0.010
N/A
43.6
12.1
16.3
5.9
0.9
2007
122
135
0.60
0.65
24.6
20.8
19.1
28.3
0.016
0.011
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
7.0
1.6
2006
120
129
0.50
0.58
25.0
21.0
18.9
28.0
0.018
0.005
N/A
N/A
12.8
N/A
7.0
1.4
2005
115
134
0.60
0.53
27.0
22.8
17.8
27.3
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
3.3
2004
109
142
0.62
0.72
25.6
18.5
16.7
29.5
0.030
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
3.1
2003
110
144
0.75
0.75
27.4
22.7
17.1
28.5
0.022
0.013
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
2.0
2002
124
142
0.67
0.82
27.9
24.9
17.4
28.5
0.008
0.015
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
0.2
2001
126
145
0.66
0.79
30.0
25.7
17.8
26.1
0.020
0.025
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
0.9
2000
115
157
0.68
0.82
29.4
24.2
16.0
25.0
0.022
0.031
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
17.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
7,322.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
46%
Transportation
With its comprehensive subway system, buses, and numerous taxi services, commuting in the Bronx is generally easy. Riverside, being less densely populated and more spread out, is more car-reliant, although it does offer bus services and commuter rail systems.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
39
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
15.6%
0.9%
Carpooled
9.3%
9%
Car alone
27%
85.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Railroad
2%
0.4%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
34.6%
0.1%
Taxicab
1.3%
0%
Walked
7.2%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Average
44.2 min
31.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate in the Bronx is generally more expensive than Riverside, reflecting the overall higher cost of living. Bronx offers a mix of apartments and single-family homes. Riverside presents a mix of suburban homes and apartments, with prices generally below California's median.
Neighborhoods
Bronx offers a mix of neighborhoods, each with unique cultural influences. Neighborhoods like Riverdale, Country Club and Throggs Neck stand out among the safest and most desirable. Riverside also offers a variety of neighborhoods, with Orangecrest, Canyon Crest, and Mission Grove ranked as some of the best.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Houses
490,659
94,246
Average household size (people)
2.8
3.2
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
91,110 (96.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
51,211 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
39,899 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$1,277
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$414,585
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$483,300
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
6.1
Renting percentage
80.7%
44.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
1,206.8
Household income disparities
50.2%
40.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
393 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
1,312 (3.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
39,744 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
123 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
2,112 (5.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
2.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
8,164
State government workers
14,515
8,293
Unpaid family workers
1,000
199
Industries and Occupations
In terms of industries and occupations, Bronx is dominant in healthcare, social assistance, and retail trade. Jobs in the public sector are also common. Riverside's top industries include education, healthcare, and public administration. Both cities offer a diverse range of job opportunities.
Both cities offer quality healthcare. Bronx offers top hospitals like Montefiore Medical Center and Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. Riverside hosts award-winning hospitals like Riverside Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Riverside
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Bronx, being part of New York City, has well-developed infrastructure, including public transportation, utilities, parks, and more. Despite its dense layout, the city continually works towards improving and maintaining its infrastructure. Riverside, while smaller and less urban, also has well-developed infrastructure, with ongoing developments to accommodate its growing population.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Hospitals
57
20
TV stations
30
5
Bank branches located here
118
61
Bank institutions located here
24
18
Main business address for public companies
2
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
0
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Riverside
Private elementary/middle schools
54
10
Private high schools
20
8
Public elementary/middle schools
285
54
Public high schools
155
24
Colleges/Universities
9
10
Culture and Food
Both cities are rich in culture and culinary experiences. Bronx, with its diverse population, offers worldwide cuisines from Latin to Italian to Asian and more, alongside authentic New York style pizza and bagels. Local and international cultural events are plentiful. Riverside is known for its Mexican and farm-to-table cuisine, along with a booming craft beer scene. The city also hosts various cultural festivals.
Sports Teams
Sports fans would love Bronx, home to the world-renowned New York Yankees. Along with the numerous NYC teams playing everything from basketball to hockey. Riverside doesn’t have professional sports teams, but local collegiate sports like UC Riverside attract many attendees.
Bronx, NY
Riverside, CA
Bronx, NY and 
Riverside, CA : 2,410.5 miles
