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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Moreno Valley is 35% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,036/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 9%
$87,477/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 19%
$461,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 126%
$1,980/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 18%
210,378
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $16,301/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Pasadena?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Pasadena?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $16,301/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Pasadena details →

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