Cost of Living in Riverside, CA

An Overview of Cost of Living in Riverside, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Riverside is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Riverside is 136, which is 36% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Riverside is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Riverside falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Riverside cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 94%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

The things you purchase regularly, like clothes, haircuts, movie tickets and gym memberships, can make a big dent in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. Unfortunately in Riverside, these items will cost you 12% more than what's considered the norm, making it a more expensive place to call home.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Riverside is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 13.1% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Riverside?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 26 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Riverside. The results indicated that 27% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 73% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Riverside Affordable?

Is Riverside an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Riverside is 110.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 54.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Riverside has a median household income of $72,738, which is 31.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Riverside?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Riverside, healthcare costs are 1.2% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Riverside, the utilities index registers at 5.9% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Riverside, the groceries index is 13.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Riverside, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.