When you first move to Riverside, you often hear that housing prices are cheaper than in LA.

I initially thought that meant rent would be very low as well. However, when I started looking for apartments, I found myself asking, "Is this really cheap?"

These days, rents in Riverside have increased significantly, and finding a one-bedroom can often cost around $1,800 to $1,950 per month.

However, if you look a little further afield, there are differences. Depending on which area you choose within Riverside, the rent for the same one-bedroom apartment can vary by several hundred dollars.

First, consider the La Sierra area. It's located on the west side of Riverside and has La Sierra University, so there are quite a few apartments and rental homes around the college. Due to the nature of college towns, there is a lot of tenant turnover, which allows you to compare various apartments. There are also older homes and apartments mixed in the neighborhood, so if you're not set on only new apartments, you might find relatively affordable options.

Arlington is another area worth checking out for those looking for value. As an older residential area, it offers relatively less expensive options compared to popular neighborhoods like Canyon Crest or Orangecrest. That said, it's not inconvenient for living. There are grocery stores and decent access to major roads, making it a practical choice for newcomers or young professionals settling in Riverside.

Expanding your search to the Mission Grove area can also be beneficial. Not all areas labeled Mission Grove have the same prices. The atmosphere differs between neighborhoods with many single-family homes and those with apartments, leading to variations in rent based on location. If you want to live in a somewhat nice neighborhood but find the rent too high, it's advisable not to settle on just one area from the start. Instead, compare actual listings across La Sierra, Arlington, and other neighborhoods.

The University area around UCR has a slightly different character. With many students, rental listings are consistently available, including room rentals and shared housing. If you're a young person living alone, you can significantly reduce your costs. However, don't assume that just because it's near a university, it's always quiet and safe. The atmosphere can vary from block to block, so it's wise to visit during the day and at night before signing a lease.

Also, when searching for rentals in Riverside, don't just look at the monthly rent. Some places may have a rent that is $100 cheaper but charge separately for parking, trash disposal, water, and pet fees. It's also important to check whether there's a washer in the unit and what type of air conditioning is available. Summers in Riverside can be extremely hot, so if you have an older air conditioning unit, you'll need to consider the electricity costs as well.

Ultimately, individuals can't do much about the high rental prices in California. What we can do is put in the effort to search extensively. It's a good idea to keep comparing sites like Zillow and Apartments.com, as well as checking Facebook Marketplace and local rental information. Be cautious of personal listings that seem too cheap or have great conditions.

If it were me, I wouldn't sign a lease after just seeing one place. I would at least visit several locations and compare the total rent along with all associated costs. Riverside is no longer just a guaranteed cheap city. However, if you broaden your search and consider older apartments, there are still some reasonably priced options hidden away.