Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Moreno Valley, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Austin is 7% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,655/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 23%
$91,461/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 4%
$512,700 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 10%
$1,747/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 13%
967,862
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $3,984/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Austin or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $3,984/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Moreno Valley details →

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