Cost of Living in Riverside, TX

With a cost of living index of 81, Riverside, TX is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 19% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the Texas state average of 88. Riverside is a small community of 915 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Riverside's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $991 (25% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $192,900 (37% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Riverside is $67,917, which is 10% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Riverside. The area sees an average annual temperature of 68.7°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 53°F. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches spread over roughly 104 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (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, 5 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.