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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Chicago is 31% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,380/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 48%
$75,134/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 16%
$315,200 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 46%
$1,502/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 32%
2,707,648
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $12,343/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Chicago or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $12,343/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

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