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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Moreno Valley is 87% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,036/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 48%
$87,477/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 30%
$461,400 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 46%
$1,980/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 47%
210,378
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $26,023/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Lafayette?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Lafayette?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $26,023/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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