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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Irvine is 78% more expensive than Moreno Valley.

$2,893/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↓ 30%
$129,647/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 33%
$1,115,400 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 59%
$2,904/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↓ 32%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $42,170/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $42,170/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Moreno Valley details →

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