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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Moreno Valley is 5% more expensive than Allen.

$2,036/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 8%
$87,477/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 48%
$461,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 7%
$1,980/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 5%
210,378
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $41,653/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Allen — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Allen?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Allen?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $41,653/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Allen

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 Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago