Perris is considered relatively affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,750 and utility costs slightly below the national average.
Is the true cost of living in Perris higher than you think? Many people are surprised by the real expenses of living comfortably in this Riverside County city. Let’s break down the major monthly costs you can expect in Perris, CA in 2025.
Housing Costs in Perris
Housing is the biggest expense for most Perris residents. Typical housing options include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Costs vary significantly by neighborhood and property type.
For renters, a basic 2-bedroom apartment averages around $1,750 per month. Prices range from $1,500 in older complexes up to $2,100 for newer units with amenities. Some neighborhoods like May Ranch and Green Valley tend to have higher rents.
Homebuyers can expect to pay between $450,000 to $600,000 for a 3-bedroom house. Newer developments like Monument Ranch often have higher price points. HOA fees are common, adding $200-400 per month.
Utility Costs
Basic utilities in Perris include electricity, gas, water, and trash. Costs are slightly below the national average. A typical household pays around:
- Electricity: $120/month
- Gas: $40/month
- Water: $60/month
- Trash: $30/month
Expect higher electric bills in the summer months due to air conditioning needs. Many homes also have separate irrigation water costs for landscaping.
Groceries and Food
Groceries for a single person in Perris average $300-400 per month, not including dining out. A couple spends around $600-700. Prices at local chains like Stater Bros. and Cardenas tend to be lower than specialty markets.
A typical grocery basket with staples like bread, milk, eggs, produce and meat totals about $50-60 in Perris. Eating out adds up quickly – budget at least $20 per person for a basic meal at a casual restaurant.
Taxes and Fees
Perris has a sales tax rate of 7.75%, slightly higher than the CA base rate of 7.25%. Property tax rates average 1.2% of assessed home value. Vehicle registration fees are $200-300 per year depending on the car’s value.
| Tax/Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | 7.75% |
| Property tax | ~1.2% of home value |
| Vehicle registration | $200-300/year |
Monthly Budget Summary
Here’s a sample monthly budget for living in Perris:
| Single | Couple | Family of 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,750 | $1,750 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $200 | $250 | $350 |
| Groceries | $350 | $650 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Monthly Total | $3,350 | $4,450 | $6,450 |
| Gross Income Needed | $4,200 | $5,600 | $8,100 |
Note: These figures are based on a gross monthly income, before taxes. Actual budgets vary significantly based on lifestyle and exact location within Perris.
Lifestyle Considerations
While Perris offers relative affordability compared to other parts of Riverside County, there are tradeoffs to consider. Homes tend to be older or farther from jobs and amenities. Commute times are longer than cities like Riverside or Corona.
However, Perris provides access to Lake Perris State Recreation Area and other outdoor opportunities that are harder to find in more developed areas. Residents enjoy a quieter pace of life.
Newer housing developments on the edges of Perris come with higher price tags but more modern features and sometimes better access to freeways. It’s a balance of budget versus convenience and lifestyle preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Perris?
A: A gross income of at least $4,200 per month ($50K/year) for a single person or $5,600 per month ($67K/year) for a couple is recommended to live comfortably while renting in Perris. Homeowners and families need more.
Q: Is Perris cheaper than Riverside?
A: Yes, Perris is generally 10-20% less expensive than Riverside, primarily due to lower housing costs. However, Riverside offers more jobs, dining, entertainment and easier commutes to other parts of the Inland Empire.
Q: What are the top 3 costs that surprise people in Perris?
A: Many newcomers are surprised by 1) HOA fees on top of rent/mortgage, 2) higher summer electric bills, and 3) transportation costs from longer commutes.
Q: Are groceries expensive in Perris?
A: Groceries in Perris are slightly cheaper than the national average. Shopping at local chains versus specialty stores helps keep food costs manageable.
Q: What’s the cheapest neighborhood in Perris?
A: The areas around Downtown Perris and Perris Valley often have the most affordable housing, with older homes and apartments. The tradeoff is being farther from I-215 and longer commutes.