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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Moreno Valley is 44% more expensive than Denton.

$2,036/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 34%
$87,477/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 16%
$461,400 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 29%
$1,980/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 26%
210,378
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $13,758/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Denton — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Denton?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Denton?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $13,758/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Denton

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