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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Moreno Valley is 53% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,036/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 47%
$87,477/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 99%
$461,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 231%
$1,980/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 54%
210,378
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $949/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $11,388/year.

Median household income is $86,193/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $949/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $86,193/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville