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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Moreno Valley is 29% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,036/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 28%
$87,477/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 27%
$461,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 15%
$1,980/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 22%
210,378
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $23,603/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $23,603/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Elizabeth

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 Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland