Cost of Living: Moreno Valley, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Moreno Valley is 97% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$2,036/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 51%
$87,477/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 45%
$461,400 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 49%
$1,980/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 48%
210,378
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,031/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $12,372/year.

Median household income is $38,941/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $1,031/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $38,941/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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