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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Moreno Valley is 37% more expensive than Salem.

$2,036/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 35%
$87,477/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 18%
$461,400 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 17%
$1,980/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 27%
210,378
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $15,577/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Salem — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Salem?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Salem?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $15,577/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Salem details →

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