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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Riverside and Moreno Valley have a similar cost of living.

$1,812/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 12%
$88,575/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 1%
$542,100 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 15%
$1,880/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 5%
316,241
Population
210,378

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $1,098/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Riverside or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $1,098/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Moreno Valley

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati 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