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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Moreno Valley is 2% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,036/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 14%
$87,477/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 2%
$461,400 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 19%
$1,980/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 13%
210,378
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $1,688/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Lakewood?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Lakewood?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $1,688/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Lakewood

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 Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield