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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Bakersfield is 28% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,371/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 49%
$77,397/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 13%
$347,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 33%
$1,540/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 29%
408,366
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $665/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $7,980/year.

Median household income is $10,080/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $665/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $10,080/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Moreno Valley details →

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