Cost of Living: Moreno Valley, CA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Moreno Valley is 38% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,036/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 31%
$87,477/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 23%
$461,400 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 26%
$1,980/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 23%
210,378
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $19,933/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Worcester — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Worcester?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Worcester?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $19,933/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Moreno Valley or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Moreno Valley details → View Worcester details →

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