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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Downey

California
169

Moreno Valley is 15% cheaper than Downey.

$2,036/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 7%
$87,477/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,400/yr ≈ Same
$461,400 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 58%
$1,980/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ≈ Same
210,378
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $77/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Downey — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Downey?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Downey?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $77/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Downey

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 Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens