Cost of Living in Riverside, CA

With a cost of living index of 137, Riverside, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 37% more expensive than the national average and 7% below the California state average of 144. As a major city with a population of 316,241, Riverside offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Riverside's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,812 (37% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $542,100 (78% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Riverside is $88,575, which is 18% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Riverside. The area sees an average annual temperature of 66.2°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 56°F. Annual rainfall totals 9.4 inches spread over roughly 35 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.