Dallas, the ninth largest city in the U.S., and Riverside, the 61st largest, are significantly different in many aspects. Dallas is a major economic hub with a bustling downtown and an internationally renowned botanical garden, while Riverside boasts a slower pace of life with an emphasis on outdoor activities and a close-knit community vibe. These differences extend to various aspects such as crime, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, and more. This comprehensive comparison will serve as a guide for those looking to relocate or tourists exploring these cities.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Riverside, CA : 1,189.7 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 306%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Riverside has grown by 62,095 people (24.3%) during that time.
Dallas has higher crime rates compared to the national average and significantly higher than Riverside. However, neighborhood crime rates vary significantly across the city, and areas like North Dallas and the Arts District are generally safer. Riverside, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate than the national average, making it a relatively safe city to live in and visit. Despite this, it's always imperative to be mindful of one's surroundings.
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 4,297 registered sex offenders living in Dallas and 616 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Riverside is 527 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Dallas than in Riverside.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Dallas is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate. In contrast, Riverside's cost of living is higher due to California's notoriously high housing and living costs. However, this can vary depending on the neighborhood and quality of housing chosen.
Income Tax
Texas, including Dallas, does not have a state income tax, which can make it an attractive destination for those looking to maximize their income. California, on the other hand, does have a state income tax. The rate is progressive and depends on the income level of the resident.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Dallas are high compared to the national average, which is a consideration for potential homebuyers. In contrast, Riverside has lower property tax rates, but high home prices can offset this advantage.
Sales Tax
Dallas, located in Texas, does not have a state income tax but has a sales tax rate of 8.25%. In contrast, Riverside, located in California, has a considerably higher sales tax rate at 8.75%, plus there is a state income tax that varies by income level.
Income
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$76,558
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$29,013
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
83
If you make $50,000 in Riverside, you will have to make $57,892 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is largely flat and located in the Blackland Prairies region of Texas, with the Trinity River flowing through the city. Riverside is located in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, nestled between the Santa Ana Mountains and the Santa Ana River.
Both cities boast strong educational institutions. Dallas is home to several major universities such as Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Dallas, providing high-quality education at all levels. Riverside is home to the University of California, Riverside and several community colleges that are well-regarded, especially in STEM fields.
Dallas’ economy is diverse, with significant sectors in defense, financial services, information technology, telecommunications, and transportation. Job growth and the economy are strong, thanks in part to the presence of many Fortune 500 companies. Riverside, on the other hand, has an economy based largely on the education, healthcare and retail sectors. It has slower job growth in comparison, though the city is making efforts to attract more businesses.
Biggest Employers
Many Fortune 500 companies have headquarters or regional offices in Dallas, including ExxonMobil, AT&T, and American Airlines. The healthcare sector, led by Texas Health Resources and Baylor Health Care System, is another significant employer. In Riverside, the largest employers are UC Riverside, Riverside Unified School District, and the City of Riverside.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 293 building permits issued in Riverside in 2012 (250 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% 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
Dallas
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
2020
65.1%
53.0%
33.4%
45.0%
1.4%
2.0%
2016
60.8%
49.7%
34.7%
44.4%
4.5%
5.9%
2012
57.3%
49.6%
41.8%
48.0%
1.0%
2.4%
2008
57.4%
50.4%
42.0%
48.1%
0.6%
1.5%
2004
49.0%
41.3%
50.4%
58.2%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
45.0%
45.0%
52.7%
51.6%
2.4%
3.4%
1996
46.0%
43.0%
46.8%
45.6%
7.2%
11.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
27.5%
2.4%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
1.2%
31.1%
11.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.5%
1.1%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.2%
1.5%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
1.7%
3.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
1.5%
Weather
Dallas experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Riverside, located farther south, generally has a warm Mediterranean climate. Its summers are hot, often reaching triple-digit temperatures, but winters are fairly mild, with chilly nights but seldom any snowfall. While Dallas experiences occasional hail and tornadoes due to its location in Tornado Alley, Riverside has occasional earthquakes as it's located in Southern California.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
66°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
66.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
21.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
73.5%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
10.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
27.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
78.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
21.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
84.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
62.6%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
4.5 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Riverside, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Riverside
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
Dallas
Riverside
2018
86
153
0.35
N/A
5.7
14.4
28.7
29.8
N/A
0.006
44.6
N/A
9.7
13.6
0.4
0.4
2017
84
151
0.34
N/A
5.5
14.7
28.6
31.5
N/A
0.004
48.4
N/A
9.1
14.8
0.3
0.3
2016
81
140
0.33
N/A
6.1
14.8
27.2
30.9
N/A
0.006
44.4
N/A
8.4
14.5
0.2
0.2
2015
85
147
0.33
N/A
6.5
14.5
26.7
30.8
N/A
0.004
43.6
N/A
8.9
15.4
0.3
0.3
2014
83
147
0.37
N/A
6.3
15.9
27.6
30.7
N/A
0.006
34.1
N/A
9.9
16.5
0.3
0.3
2013
97
147
0.38
N/A
7.3
16.4
28.8
29.2
N/A
0.006
33.2
N/A
13.0
16.4
0.2
0.2
2012
116
148
0.35
N/A
8.6
16.4
31.0
30.2
N/A
0.007
32.3
N/A
12.0
16.0
0.3
0.3
2011
98
150
0.37
N/A
9.4
16.3
30.9
32.0
N/A
0.006
33.1
N/A
11.9
15.2
0.6
0.3
2010
79
144
0.42
N/A
9.4
17.8
28.3
30.9
N/A
0.008
31.9
N/A
N/A
15.5
0.7
1.3
2009
88
151
0.37
N/A
9.2
20.0
28.8
29.0
N/A
0.009
38.0
N/A
N/A
19.6
0.5
1.5
2008
88
157
0.41
N/A
9.8
20.5
29.2
30.0
0.121
0.010
43.6
N/A
N/A
16.3
0.5
0.9
2007
94
135
0.65
N/A
11.0
20.8
25.7
28.3
0.070
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
1.6
2006
107
129
0.58
N/A
10.8
21.0
30.6
28.0
0.106
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.4
2005
108
134
0.53
N/A
13.0
22.8
29.7
27.3
0.142
0.012
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
3.3
2004
96
142
0.72
N/A
12.3
18.5
26.0
29.5
0.099
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
3.1
2003
102
144
0.75
N/A
13.6
22.7
27.1
28.5
0.121
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2.0
2002
100
142
0.82
N/A
14.0
24.9
25.2
28.5
0.080
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
0.2
2001
100
145
0.79
N/A
14.3
25.7
26.0
26.1
0.069
0.025
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
0.9
2000
109
157
0.82
N/A
14.5
24.2
27.0
25.0
0.092
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
17.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
7,322.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
46%
Transportation
Dallas boasts a comprehensive DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system, which includes buses and light rail, and it is served by multiple interstates and highways. Commuting can be challenging due to heavy traffic. Riverside relies heavily on cars with three major highways serving the city. It also offers Metrolink train service to Los Angeles and bus services within the city, but public transit is less comprehensive than in Dallas.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Bicycle
0.3%
0.5%
Bus
1.4%
0.9%
Carpooled
10.9%
9%
Car alone
83.9%
85.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Railroad
0.2%
0.4%
Subway
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.6%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Average
31.5 min
31.3 min
Other means
26.5 min
28.7 min
Public transportation
46 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
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
Dallas has an active real estate market with a variety of housing options, from modern high-rise apartments downtown to single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods. Despite the city's growth, housing prices remain relatively affordable. In Riverside, the housing market is more expensive, reflecting California’s high real estate prices. However, one is likely to find larger homes and lots compared to those in Dallas.
Neighborhoods
Dallas has numerous distinct neighborhoods each with their own character. Uptown is known for its high-energy nightlife, while the Bishop Arts District offers an indie vibe with boutiques and bistros. Riverside has a small-town feel with neighborhoods that pride themselves on their sense of community, from the historic Wood Streets to the upscale Canyon Crest.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Houses
591,773
94,246
Average household size (people)
2.6
3.2
Median year apartment built
1987
1982
Median year house/condo built
1969
1974
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
14.2 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
91,110 (96.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
51,211 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
39,899 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,277
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,680
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$414,585
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$483,300
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$548,362
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$525,372
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$450,463
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$408,213
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$81,780
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$442,670
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$529,360
Median house age
40
44
Renting percentage
55.9%
44.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,206.8
House value disparities
41.3%
21%
Household income disparities
48.2%
40.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$104,161
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$71,925
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
393 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
1,312 (3.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
39,744 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
123 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
2,112 (5.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Riverside
One, detached
41.8%
63.1%
One, attached
4.3%
5.6%
Two
1.5%
1.1%
3 or 4
4.9%
3.7%
5 to 9
7.9%
6.8%
10 to 19
12.1%
7.0%
20 to 49
8.1%
4.6%
50 or more
18.4%
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
43,703
8,164
State government workers
17,325
8,293
Unpaid family workers
754
199
Industries and Occupations
Dallas is a major center for the oil and gas industry, IT and data management, and transportation logistics. Finance and corporate governance are also prominent, thanks to the presence of many Fortune 500 companies. In Riverside, the major industries are education, health services, and government, with the City of Riverside, Riverside Unified School District, and UC Riverside being the top employers.
Healthcare in Dallas is top-notch with nationally ranked hospitals such as UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center. Riverside also boasts quality healthcare facilities, including the Riverside University Health System and Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Riverside
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas boasts robust infrastructure, with expansive highways, modern public buildings, and a rapidly developing downtown area. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest in the world. Riverside has solid infrastructure as well but on a smaller scale commensurate with its size. Its three major freeways are complimented by a growing metropolitan area.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Riverside
Hospitals
74
20
TV stations
25
5
Bank branches located here
394
61
Bank institutions located here
80
18
Main business address for public companies
122
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Riverside
1999
5,030
794
2000
3,390
375
2001
2,626
310
2002
2,657
405
2003
3,617
1,399
2004
5,460
1,892
2005
7,445
2,728
2006
7,397
3,235
2007
5,056
1,568
2008
2,200
544
2009
1,121
285
Culture and Food
Dallas has a vibrant culture steeped in southern charm. Its culinary scene is renowned, with specialties like Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine. Riverside also has a diverse cultural scene with a California twist. Its food scene includes offerings from various global cuisines and the famous California-style pizza.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to cheer about in Dallas, home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Mavericks (NBA), and the Stars (NHL). Riverside does not host any major professional sports teams, but sports fans can find plenty of collegiate sports action at the University of California, Riverside.
Dallas, TX
Riverside, CA
Dallas, TX and 
Riverside, CA : 1,189.7 miles
