Riverside, California has an overall cost of living index of 107.3, which is 7.3 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,914 per month, while the typical home is valued around $584,800. Households earn a median of $91,045 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 65. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$91,045
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,914
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$584,800
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
107.3
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,692
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,777
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,201
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,912
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
107.3
Goods
102.0
Rents / Housing
132.0
Services
164.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $140,840 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $135,680 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $93,620 |
| ⚡Electrician | $80,130 |
| 📊Accountant | $93,040 |
| 🔧Plumber | $71,750 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $189,540 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $117,200 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $129,390 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $85,640 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $146,350 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $61,480 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $101,120 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
319,069
Latest estimate
Median Age
33.6 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
65.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
52
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$2,086
Per month
Avg Home Value
$610,040
Census ACS
January Avg
52°F
July Avg
78°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Dry/Arid · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
30.9
poor
Hospitals
4
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
91.1%
What is the cost of living index for Riverside?
Riverside has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 107.3. The US national average is 100, so Riverside is 7.3 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Riverside?
The median gross rent in Riverside is $1,914 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Riverside?
The median household income in Riverside is $91,045 per year.
What is the median home value in Riverside?
The median home value in Riverside is $584,800 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Riverside?
Riverside has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 65.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Riverside?
Tax data for California is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
