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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Fresno is 30% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,324/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 54%
$66,804/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 31%
$348,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 32%
$1,391/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 42%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $20,673/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Fresno or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $20,673/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 Fresno or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Moreno Valley details →

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