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

Moreno Valley

California

144

Fayetteville

North Carolina

Moreno Valley is 71% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$2,036/mo ↑ 73%

Median Rent

$1,179/mo ↓ 42%

$87,477/yr ↑ 55%

Median Income

$56,395/yr ↓ 36%

$461,400 ↑ 168%

Home Value

$171,900 ↓ 63%

$1,980/mo ↑ 71%

Owner Costs

$1,156/mo ↓ 42%

210,378

Population

209,692

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

4.5%

7.25%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

27.9%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $31,082/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 144 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Fayetteville?

Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $857/month.

Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Fayetteville?

Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $31,082/year higher in Moreno Valley.

How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Moreno Valley or Fayetteville?

It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.