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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Moreno Valley is 58% more expensive than College Station.

$2,036/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 43%
$87,477/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 41%
$461,400 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 29%
$1,980/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 37%
210,378
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $868/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $10,416/year.

Median household income is $35,701/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs College Station — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and College Station?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $868/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or College Station?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $35,701/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette