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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Richmond

California
161

Moreno Valley is 11% cheaper than Richmond.

$2,036/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 7%
$87,477/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 3%
$461,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 41%
$1,980/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 2%
210,378
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $2,561/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Richmond — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Richmond?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Richmond?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $2,561/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Richmond

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