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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Mesa is 26% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,478/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 38%
$78,779/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 11%
$364,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 27%
$1,404/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 41%
507,478
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $8,698/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Mesa or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $8,698/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Moreno Valley

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville