Cost of Living in Riverside, CA
Riverside is about 29% more expensive than the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Riverside at a Glance
On the median income of $90,004, state income tax is roughly $11,971/year.
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Riverside is the largest city in the Inland Empire and the hub of a metro of nearly 2.5 million people. The cost of living runs about 12.5% above the national average, which sounds high until you compare it to coastal Southern California: Riverside's median home at $550,000 is roughly half of Orange County's and 40% below LA's coast. UC Riverside brings research university energy and a diverse student body. The Mission Inn, a National Historic Landmark hotel, anchors a downtown that has been genuinely revitalized with restaurants, arts venues, and public spaces.
How People Get Around
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Who Lives Here
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Why People Move to Riverside
Inland Empire affordability with more character than most Inland Empire cities. Riverside has a genuine historic downtown centered on the Mission Inn and Main Street pedestrian mall. UC Riverside provides cultural events, a large employer base, and rising academic prestige. The citrus heritage (Riverside is where California's navel orange industry began) gives the city an identity beyond suburb. Mount Rubidoux offers hiking with city views. Joshua Tree National Park is 75 minutes east.
Neighborhoods
The Mission Inn District downtown has walkable restaurants and arts spaces. Wood Streets and Victoria are established neighborhoods with character homes. Canyon Crest near UCR is residential and convenient to the university. Orangecrest and Mission Grove are newer family suburbs. Arlington is middle-class and centrally located. Eastside and Casa Blanca are the most affordable areas. The University neighborhood is student-oriented.
Things to Consider
Summer heat is intense (regularly above 100 degrees). Air quality is poor, trapped by the same valley geography that affects the entire Inland Empire. California's 13.3% income tax applies. The commute to LA or Orange County jobs is long and congested (60-90+ minutes on the 91 or 60 freeways during peak). While downtown has improved, many surrounding neighborhoods remain car-dependent and suburban. The city's growth has sometimes outpaced its infrastructure.
Compare Riverside To...
Frequently Asked Questions About Riverside
For the right person. The Inland Empire offers California homeownership at prices 40-60% below the coast. The trade-offs are real: extreme summer heat, poor air quality, car-dependent sprawl, and limited cultural amenities in most cities. Riverside, as the regional hub, offers more character and more amenities than most IE cities. If your job is remote or local, the quality-to-cost ratio is favorable. If you are commuting to coastal LA daily, the drive will define your life.
About 55-70 miles to Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, which translates to 60-90 minutes without traffic and potentially 2+ hours during peak commute times. The 91 Freeway is one of the most congested highways in America. Most Riverside residents treat the beach as an occasional trip, not a daily amenity.
UCR is a rising UC campus that has gained prestige and selectivity. It is the most diverse UC campus and has strong programs in engineering, plant sciences, and creative writing. Its growing reputation has brought more cultural and economic energy to the city. For potential residents, the university means access to lectures, performances, sports, and a young population that supports restaurants and nightlife.