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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Houston is 39% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,313/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 55%
$62,894/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 39%
$253,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 82%
$1,316/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 50%
2,300,419
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $24,583/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Houston or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $24,583/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Moreno Valley details →

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