Cost of Living in Riverside, NY

Population 3,538 · New York · Data vintage 2023

199
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Riverside run well below national norms — a median of $41,397 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. A poverty rate near 26% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Located 30 miles southeast of New Haven, Riverside falls within that metro's commuting orbit. New Haven's typical home runs $249,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Rent 199

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Riverside

Median rent runs $2,612/month, 99% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,397/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 60.0°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Riverside has a cost of living index of 199 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 99% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Rent
$2,612/mo
99% above avg
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 70.4%
Renter-occupied 29.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,612
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,226/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
40.5 min
50% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.3%
Carpooled
4.5%
Public transit
3.5%
Walked
13.1%
Work from home
1.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$41,397
44% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,748
Unemployment Rate
16.4%
242% above avg
Poverty Rate
26.0%
Labor Force Participation
36.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.8%
Graduate degree 7.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.1
Male median age 36.5
Female median age 29.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.0°F
Avg Low
40.4°F
Annual Precip
43.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394047576675818074635345
Low °F 202128364656636154433426
Precip" 3.192.724.283.793.313.502.883.743.754.653.484.17

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
76.2%
Good air days/yr
195
Max AQI recorded
86
PM2.5 days
278
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Riverside, NY?

Riverside has a cost index of 199 (100 = national average). It is 99% above the national average.

What is average rent in Riverside, NY?

The median gross rent in Riverside is $2,612 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the median income in Riverside?

The median household income in Riverside is $41,397 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Riverside, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Riverside is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is Riverside, NY affordable?

Riverside is above average in cost of living, with an index of 199 — about 99% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Riverside?

Riverside has average high temperatures of 60.0°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 43.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.