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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Moreno Valley is 45% more expensive than Providence.

$2,036/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 35%
$87,477/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 24%
$461,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 30%
$1,980/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 26%
210,378
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $20,705/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Providence — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Providence?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Providence?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $20,705/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Providence details →

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