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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Modesto is 17% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,609/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 27%
$77,899/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 12%
$415,600 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 11%
$1,613/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 23%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $9,578/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Modesto or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $9,578/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 Modesto or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Moreno Valley details →

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