Cost of living in Riverside
Riverside, located in the heart of Southern California, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. Understanding the cost of living in Riverside is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19 on average, with a range between $12.41 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85, with prices ranging from $60 to $175.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $11 and $16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $5 to $11, cappuccino $4 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.54 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.97.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $6.54, averaging $3.46.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $0.99 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $10.34 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.75, with a monthly pass priced at $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.05 to $2.49 per km and $28 to $70 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2400, averaging $1953.25.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1250 to $2100, averaging $1649.17.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $4000, averaging $3091.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1900 to $3000, averaging $2483.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3606 to $4574.66, averaging $4162.08.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3606 to $4574.66, averaging $4162.08.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $126.2 and $550, averaging $289.48.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $62.33.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Riverside offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being a significant expense, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be relatively affordable, with a variety of options from casual to upscale dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fresh produce and dairy being more affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Riverside, CA, presents a balanced cost of living with opportunities for both affordable and upscale lifestyles.
While housing costs can be high, especially in the city centre, other expenses such as dining and transportation are more manageable.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this dynamic city.