Cost of Living: Moreno Valley, CA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Moreno Valley is 4% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,036/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 12%
$87,477/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 62%
$461,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 4%
$1,980/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 1%
210,378
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $53,876/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $53,876/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and The Woodlands

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