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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Moreno Valley is 16% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,036/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 17%
$87,477/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 13%
$461,400 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 11%
$1,980/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 12%
210,378
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $11,394/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Lancaster?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Lancaster?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $11,394/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Lancaster details →

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