City comparison
Yes. Jacksonville's crime index is 150 versus 158 in Riverside, and its violent crime index is 155 versus 163, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Jacksonville is cheaper. Median rent is $1,465 a month versus $1,914 in Riverside.
The income gap between Jacksonville and Riverside is significant: $69,872 median household versus $91,045. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,465 in Jacksonville and $1,914 in Riverside.
This is a genuine split. Jacksonville wins on cost of living and safety and Riverside wins on the job market. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Jacksonville at $1,465 average has pockets that run $1,265 and others at $1,865: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Jacksonville and Riverside are 2,095 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,465 a month in Jacksonville to $1,914 a month in Riverside, up $449 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $69,872 in Jacksonville to $91,045 in Riverside, up $21,173 (30%).
The crime index goes from 150 in Jacksonville to 158 in Riverside, up 8 points (5%).
The move
Riverside and Jacksonville are 2,095 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,914 a month in Riverside to $1,465 a month in Jacksonville, down $449 a month (23%).
Median household income goes from $91,045 in Riverside to $69,872 in Jacksonville, down $21,173 (23%).
The crime index goes from 158 in Riverside to 150 in Jacksonville, down 8 points (5%).
Jacksonville, FL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Riverside, CA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Jacksonville and Riverside? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
23% cheaper
Jacksonville rent is 23% cheaper than Riverside
Jacksonville
Winner$1,465/mo
Riverside
$1,914/mo
Typical rent runs $1,465 a month in Jacksonville versus $1,914 in Riverside, so Jacksonville is 23% cheaper. That's roughly $449/month back in your pocket ($5,388/year). Over five years that's $26,940 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Riverside, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Jacksonville is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Jacksonville? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
30% higher
Riverside's median income is 30% higher than Jacksonville
Jacksonville
$69,872
Riverside
Winner$91,045
Median household income is $91,045 in Riverside versus $69,872 in Jacksonville, so typical pay runs 30% higher in Riverside (about $21,173 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Riverside is the stronger labor market on paper. Jacksonville can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
5% lower crime
Jacksonville's crime index is 5% lower than Riverside
Jacksonville
Winner150 (100 = avg)
Riverside
158 (100 = avg)
Jacksonville's crime index is 150 versus 158 in Riverside (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 5% lower in Jacksonville. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Jacksonville, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Riverside. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Jacksonville and Riverside are about even on typical weather.
Jacksonville
68°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 100/100
Riverside
77°F avg · 84°F highs · comfort 100/100
Jacksonville averages about 68°F (74°F highs); Riverside averages about 77°F (84°F highs). Jacksonville sits near 68°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Riverside sits near 77°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Jacksonville is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 23% cheaper here at about $1,465 a month. Choose Jacksonville if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Jacksonville is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 5% lower than Riverside (150 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Riverside is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 30% higher here ($91,045). Start with Riverside if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
Riverside runs $1,914/month while Jacksonville sits at $1,465 — roughly 23% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Riverside-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Jacksonville rent at $1,465/month is still below Riverside's $1,914, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 48/100 in Jacksonville and 46/100 in Riverside.
Between Jacksonville and Riverside, Jacksonville is ahead on housing cost — $1,465/month rent against $1,914. Lean Riverside instead when your $91,045 income offer in Riverside outweighs saving $449/month in Jacksonville.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Jacksonville when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Jacksonville and Riverside, plus other cities in FL and CA.
