Cost of Living: Moreno Valley, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Moreno Valley is 37% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,036/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 18%
$87,477/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 26%
$461,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 129%
$1,980/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 24%
210,378
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $22,596/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $22,596/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria