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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Moreno Valley is 16% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$2,036/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 2%
$87,477/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 11%
$461,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 48%
$1,980/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 8%
210,378
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,933/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $9,933/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Santa Rosa

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