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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Moreno Valley is 14% cheaper than Fairfield.

$2,036/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 8%
$87,477/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 17%
$461,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 28%
$1,980/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 12%
210,378
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $14,844/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Fairfield?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Fairfield?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $14,844/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill