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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Moreno Valley is 5% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,036/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 10%
$87,477/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 3%
$461,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 4%
$1,980/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 10%
210,378
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $2,860/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $2,860/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Santa Maria

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