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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Moreno Valley is 17% cheaper than Alexandria.

$2,036/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ≈ Same
$87,477/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 30%
$461,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 51%
$1,980/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 10%
210,378
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $26,161/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Alexandria?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Alexandria?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $26,161/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Alexandria

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 Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen