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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Moreno Valley is 14% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$2,036/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 7%
$87,477/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 40%
$461,400 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 31%
$1,980/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 12%
210,378
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $34,752/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $34,752/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Elk Grove

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