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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Moreno Valley is 62% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,036/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 31%
$87,477/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 18%
$461,400 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 51%
$1,980/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 30%
210,378
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $15,634/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Mesquite?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Mesquite?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $15,634/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Mesquite

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 Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford