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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Moreno Valley is 14% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,036/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 6%
$87,477/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 7%
$461,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 14%
$1,980/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 20%
210,378
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $5,894/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Surprise — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Surprise?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Surprise?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $5,894/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite