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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Orange

California
206

Moreno Valley is 30% cheaper than Orange.

$2,036/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 11%
$87,477/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 34%
$461,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 95%
$1,980/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 21%
210,378
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $29,468/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Orange — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Orange?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Orange?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $29,468/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Orange

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 Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City