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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Boston is 22% more expensive than Moreno Valley.

$2,093/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↓ 3%
$94,755/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 8%
$710,400 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 35%
$2,176/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↓ 9%
663,972
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $7,278/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $7,278/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Moreno Valley details →

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