Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Moreno Valley, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Richmond is 32% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,314/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 55%
$62,671/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 40%
$328,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 41%
$1,374/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 44%
227,595
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $722/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $8,664/year.

Median household income is $24,806/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Richmond or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $722/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $24,806/year higher in Moreno Valley.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with rent of $2,036/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Moreno Valley

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville