Riverside, CA Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Riverside, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

316,076
Population
$83,448
Median household income
+15% vs tracked median
$485,500
Median home value
+48% vs tracked median
$1,711/mo
Median rent
+22% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Riverside, California is home to roughly 316,076 residents. The typical household earns $83,448 per year — above the median across cities we track (+15%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $485,500 (above the multi-city median at +48%), while renters pay a median of $1,711 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Riverside

Median home value is $485,500 and median gross rent is $1,711/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Riverside.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to Riverside

Planning a move to Riverside? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Riverside, CA?
In Riverside, the median home value is $485,500 and median rent is $1,711 per month, against a median household income of $83,448. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Riverside?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,711/month, that implies an income of about $68,440 to keep housing affordable in Riverside.
Is it better to rent or buy in Riverside?
With a median home value of $485,500 and median rent of $1,711/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Riverside depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare Riverside to similar cities