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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Moreno Valley is 103% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,036/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 46%
$87,477/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 28%
$461,400 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 61%
$1,980/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 44%
210,378
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $930/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $11,160/year.

Median household income is $24,757/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Abilene — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Abilene?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $930/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Abilene?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $24,757/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Abilene

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 Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland