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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Moreno Valley is 100% more expensive than Waco.

$2,036/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 46%
$87,477/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 41%
$461,400 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 57%
$1,980/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 45%
210,378
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $36,009/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Waco — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Waco?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Waco?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $36,009/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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