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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Moreno Valley is 132% more expensive than Birmingham.

$2,036/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 49%
$87,477/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 49%
$461,400 ↑ 233%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 70%
$1,980/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 50%
210,378
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $989/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $11,868/year.

Median household income is $43,101/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Birmingham?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $989/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Birmingham?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $43,101/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Birmingham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Birmingham

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 Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery