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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Moreno Valley is 18% cheaper than Murrieta.

$2,036/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 14%
$87,477/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 25%
$461,400 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 32%
$1,980/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 20%
210,378
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $22,303/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Murrieta?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Murrieta?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $22,303/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Murrieta details →

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