Phoenix, AZ and Riverside, CA, while both situated in the sun-soaked landscapes of the Southwest, offer distinctly different lifestyles. Phoenix is larger, boasting a robust economy and a burgeoning culinary scene, while Riverside presents a more laid-back, suburban atmosphere enriched with a thriving cultural scene. Diving into the specifics of crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and more, we'll see that each city has its own strong points and challenges, making them unique in their own ways.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Riverside, CA : 307.0 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 412%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Riverside has grown by 62,095 people (24.3%) during that time.
Based on FBI data, both Phoenix and Riverside have a higher crime rate than the national average, with Phoenix slightly higher than Riverside. However, when it comes to safety, it's important to note that crime is typically concentrated in specific neighborhoods and both cities have plenty of safe areas. Riverside's police department undertakes various community outreach programs while Phoenix police are increasing the use of technology to combat crime.
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 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 616 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Riverside is 527 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Phoenix is near to than in Riverside.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Riverside is generally higher than Phoenix, predominantly due to California's overall higher cost of living. This is particularly evident when it comes to housing costs. Phoenix, however, is one of the more affordable major metro areas in the U.S, making it attractive for people looking for an urban lifestyle on a budget.
Income Tax
Riverside residents face a potentially high state income tax depending on their income, with rates varying from 1% to 13.3%. Phoenix residents pay a state income tax rate ranging from 2.59% to 4.5%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Phoenix are generally lower than Riverside. Arizona's average effective property tax rate is 0.62%, whereas California's is 0.73%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Phoenix is higher, with a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.6%, while Riverside has a combined rate of 7.75%. Both rates are higher than the national average.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$76,558
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$29,013
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
83
If you make $50,000 in Riverside, you will have to make $60,964 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix features a desert landscape with picturesque mountains surrounding the city offering outdoor recreational opportunities. Riverside is set among the beautiful rolling hills, with proximity to both beaches and mountains.
Both cities place great emphasis on education. Phoenix offers a variety of school districts, including some that rank highly in the state. They are also home to Arizona State University. Riverside boasts the prestigious University of California, Riverside, and has numerous respected school districts which contribute to a strong educational foundation for students.
Phoenix has a more diverse economy, thriving in sectors like tech, health care, and finance, while Riverside has a strong education and health services industry due to the presence of university-affiliated hospitals. Job growth in both cities is positive, although job growth in Phoenix tends to outpace Riverside.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, Banner Health System, Walmart, and Wells Fargo are among the largest employers. For Riverside, the University of California, Riverside, Riverside Community Hospital, and the Riverside Unified School District rank on top.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 293 building permits issued in Riverside in 2012 (250 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% 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
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
2020
50.2%
53.0%
48.0%
45.0%
1.8%
2.0%
2016
44.9%
49.7%
47.7%
44.4%
7.5%
5.9%
2012
43.6%
49.6%
54.3%
48.0%
2.1%
2.4%
2008
44.0%
50.4%
54.5%
48.1%
1.5%
1.5%
2004
42.4%
41.3%
57.0%
58.2%
0.6%
0.6%
2000
43.0%
45.0%
53.4%
51.6%
3.6%
3.4%
1996
44.5%
43.0%
47.2%
45.6%
8.2%
11.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
27.5%
4.3%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.2%
6.5%
11.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.3%
2.0%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.5%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
2.0%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
1.3%
1.4%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.1%
0.6%
0.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
0.7%
Weather
Riverside’s climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters which is a common trait for cities in California. Phoenix, on the other hand, has an arid desert climate with extremely hot summers and short, mild winters. Due to its desert location, Phoenix has less humidity but the summer heat can reach extreme temperatures.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
66°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
66.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
21.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
73.5%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
10.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
27.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
78.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
21.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
84.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
62.6%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
4.5 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Riverside, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
Phoenix
Riverside
2018
156
153
0.38
0.35
15.2
14.4
28.5
29.8
0.006
N/A
34.8
44.6
8.6
13.6
0.6
0.4
2017
120
151
0.41
0.34
15.9
14.7
28.6
31.5
0.004
N/A
34.9
48.4
7.6
14.8
1.4
0.3
2016
114
140
0.44
0.33
15.8
14.8
27.3
30.9
0.006
N/A
30.6
44.4
7.7
14.5
0.4
0.2
2015
102
147
0.46
0.33
17.6
14.5
27.1
30.8
0.004
N/A
26.2
43.6
7.9
15.4
0.9
0.3
2014
117
147
0.46
0.37
19.6
15.9
27.6
30.7
0.006
N/A
37.0
34.1
8.5
16.5
1.1
0.3
2013
130
147
0.43
0.38
19.9
16.4
27.9
29.2
0.006
N/A
35.3
33.2
8.4
16.4
0.9
0.2
2012
157
148
0.44
0.35
21.2
16.4
28.1
30.2
0.007
N/A
41.9
32.3
8.8
16.0
1.3
0.3
2011
203
150
0.47
0.37
20.0
16.3
28.3
32.0
0.006
N/A
41.3
33.1
9.6
15.2
0.9
0.3
2010
100
144
0.48
0.42
19.9
17.8
26.9
30.9
0.008
N/A
31.2
31.9
8.3
15.5
0.9
1.3
2009
108
151
0.52
0.37
20.1
20.0
25.6
29.0
0.009
N/A
38.2
38.0
N/A
19.6
1.8
1.5
2008
106
157
0.48
0.41
21.4
20.5
26.6
30.0
0.010
N/A
39.6
43.6
N/A
16.3
2.4
0.9
2007
129
135
0.54
0.65
23.5
20.8
25.2
28.3
0.011
N/A
47.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.6
2006
131
129
0.66
0.58
25.3
21.0
24.4
28.0
0.005
N/A
50.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
1.4
2005
109
134
0.74
0.53
25.9
22.8
22.2
27.3
0.012
N/A
44.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
3.3
2004
98
142
0.77
0.72
25.5
18.5
23.4
29.5
0.013
N/A
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.1
2003
101
144
0.90
0.75
26.8
22.7
23.7
28.5
0.013
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.0
2002
111
142
0.98
0.82
28.7
24.9
23.6
28.5
0.015
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
0.2
2001
106
145
1.00
0.79
28.6
25.7
22.3
26.1
0.025
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
0.9
2000
117
157
1.14
0.82
29.9
24.2
24.6
25.0
0.031
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
17.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
7,322.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
46%
Transportation
Public transit in Phoenix is developing with a light rail system and comprehensive bus network. Riverside's transit system is primarily bus-based, with links to LA's Metrolink rail system. In both cities, a personal vehicle is often necessary for efficient commuting.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Bicycle
0.4%
0.5%
Bus
1.8%
0.9%
Carpooled
12.2%
9%
Car alone
81.8%
85.7%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.3%
Railroad
0.2%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.4%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Average
28.6 min
31.3 min
Other means
26.4 min
28.7 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing costs in Riverside are significantly higher than Phoenix. Median home prices in Riverside can be almost twice as expensive as those in Phoenix. Phoenix offers a more affordable entry-point into homeownership or estate investment.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix boasts diverse neighbourhoods, from the upscale, art-friendly Roosevelt Row to the quiet, suburban Ahwatukee Foothills. Riverside has a mix of high-end neighborhoods like Canyon Crest and more affordable yet comfortable areas such as La Sierra.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Houses
644,625
94,246
Average household size (people)
2.8
3.2
Median year apartment built
1987
1982
Median year house/condo built
1983
1974
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
14.2 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
91,110 (96.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
51,211 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
39,899 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,277
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,680
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$414,585
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$483,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$548,362
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$525,372
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$450,463
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$408,213
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$81,780
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$442,670
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$529,360
Median house age
36
44
Renting percentage
42.4%
44.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,206.8
House value disparities
30.8%
21%
Household income disparities
43.9%
40.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$104,161
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$71,925
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
393 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
1,312 (3.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
39,744 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
123 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
2,112 (5.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
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
0.7%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Riverside
One, detached
60.3%
63.1%
One, attached
4.9%
5.6%
Two
1.4%
1.1%
3 or 4
4.4%
3.7%
5 to 9
5.0%
6.8%
10 to 19
5.3%
7.0%
20 to 49
4.1%
4.6%
50 or more
11.3%
6.4%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
8,164
State government workers
30,385
8,293
Unpaid family workers
1,048
199
Industries and Occupations
The top industries in Phoenix include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and hospitality, employing large portions of the population. In Riverside, the top sectors are education, healthcare services, retail trade, and manufacturing.
Phoenix is a health care hub with numerous highly-rated hospitals including Mayo Clinic and Banner University Medical Center. Riverside also offers quality healthcare with facilities like Riverside Community Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix's infrastructure is robust and continually expanding, with a grid-like roadway system that is easy to navigate, numerous highways, and a light rail system. Riverside, while smaller, is in the process of upgrading its infrastructure with projects to improve highways, roads, and public facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Riverside
Hospitals
48
20
TV stations
22
5
Bank branches located here
263
61
Bank institutions located here
41
18
Main business address for public companies
41
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Riverside
1999
5,846
794
2000
4,847
375
2001
3,823
310
2002
3,472
405
2003
5,750
1,399
2004
9,848
1,892
2005
15,879
2,728
2006
18,392
3,235
2007
9,797
1,568
2008
3,130
544
2009
1,614
285
Culture and Food
Phoenix is known for its thriving food scene, with Mexican cuisine being particularly popular. Phoenix also boasts renowned art and cultural districts. Riverside is known for its diversified cuisines and cultural sites like the historic Mission Inn and Riverside Art Museum.
Sports Teams
Phoenix houses four major sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and Arizona Coyotes (NHL). Riverside does not have major sports teams but offers a variety of minor and college-level sports entertainment.
Phoenix, AZ
Riverside, CA
Phoenix, AZ and 
Riverside, CA : 307.0 miles
