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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Moreno Valley is 82% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,036/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 38%
$87,477/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 39%
$461,400 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 59%
$1,980/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
210,378
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $34,074/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Allentown — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Allentown?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Allentown?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $34,074/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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