Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Moreno Valley, CA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Arlington is 41% more expensive than Moreno Valley.

$2,275/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↓ 11%
$140,160/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 38%
$864,800 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 47%
$2,414/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↓ 18%
235,463
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $52,683/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Arlington or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $52,683/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with rent of $2,036/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Moreno Valley

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville