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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Moreno Valley is 76% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,036/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 36%
$87,477/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 30%
$461,400 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 50%
$1,980/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
210,378
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $26,530/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Lakeland?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Lakeland?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $26,530/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Lakeland

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 Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon