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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Durham is 27% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,412/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 44%
$79,234/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 10%
$355,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 30%
$1,434/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 38%
288,465
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $8,243/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Durham or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $8,243/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Durham or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Moreno Valley details →

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