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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Moreno Valley is 37% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$2,036/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 19%
$87,477/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 37%
$461,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 127%
$1,980/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 23%
210,378
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $32,408/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $32,408/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Huntington Beach details →

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