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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Moreno Valley is 167% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,036/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 56%
$87,477/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 44%
$461,400 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 73%
$1,980/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 58%
210,378
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,130/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $13,560/year.

Median household income is $38,802/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Brownsville?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,130/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Brownsville?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $38,802/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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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