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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Moreno Valley is 11% more expensive than Palmdale.

$2,036/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 15%
$87,477/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 7%
$461,400 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 6%
$1,980/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 8%
210,378
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $6,326/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Palmdale?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Palmdale?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $6,326/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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Palmdale

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 Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona