Cost of Living in Riverside, WA

With a cost of living index of 88, Riverside, WA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 12% cheaper than the national average and 31% below the Washington state average of 119. Riverside is a small community of 452 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Riverside's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,136 (14% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $198,800 (35% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Riverside is $34,271, which is 54% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 40% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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 49.9°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 11.6 inches spread over roughly 82 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.