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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Moreno Valley is 20% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,036/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 20%
$87,477/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 11%
$461,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 9%
$1,980/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 22%
210,378
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $9,834/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Tempe — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Tempe?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Tempe?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $9,834/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

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