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Cost of Living in Riverside, CA

Population 319,069 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,914
Median home value$584,800
Median household income$91,045

The median rent in Riverside, CA is $1,914/month, 6% lower than the California median and 35% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $584,800, 76% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $91,045 a year, 8% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 25.2%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $76,560/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 6.4×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $2,957/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Riverside vs. California vs. U.S.

RiversideCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$1,914$2,036$1,413
Median home value$584,800$734,700$332,700
Median household income$91,045$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate56.8%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher25.7%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate12.2%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate6.3%6.6%5.2%
Work from home10.6%17.2%15.1%
Median age33.637.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Riverside, CA?

The median gross rent in Riverside, CA is $1,914 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Riverside, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $76,560 a year in gross income.

Is Riverside, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 35% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 6.4 times the median household income.

Other cities in California

Los Angeles, CARent $1,933 · Income $81,939San Diego, CARent $2,313 · Income $108,077San Jose, CARent $2,669 · Income $146,427San Francisco, CARent $2,476 · Income $140,970Fresno, CARent $1,421 · Income $70,991Sacramento, CARent $1,779 · Income $87,321

Cities with a similar cost of living

Barnstable Town, MARent $1,917 · Income $91,982Kent, WARent $1,909 · Income $92,302Lacey, WARent $1,870 · Income $90,625Farmers Branch, TXRent $1,864 · Income $91,186Marlborough, MARent $1,871 · Income $91,968Arlington, WARent $1,905 · Income $88,231

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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