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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Ontario

California
152

Moreno Valley is 5% cheaper than Ontario.

$2,036/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↓ 6%
$87,477/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 5%
$461,400 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 23%
$1,980/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ≈ Same
210,378
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $4,671/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Ontario — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Ontario?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Ontario?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $4,671/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Ontario

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 Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa