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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Moreno Valley is 21% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$2,036/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 12%
$87,477/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 25%
$461,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 50%
$1,980/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 17%
210,378
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $22,034/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $22,034/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Rancho Cucamonga

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 Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove