Riverside, CA vs San Jose, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Riverside
60.4
#1938 nationally
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
San Jose leads in median household income ($142,891 vs $83,448). Riverside leads in cost of living index (140 vs 198). San Jose leads in walk score (51 vs 43).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.4 (#1938) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 318,858 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $650,289 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $83,448 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 16.2 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+1.3 | D+40.0 |
D-
60.4 Score
Riverside, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$650,289
Population
318,858
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Riverside, CA →
D
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →
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