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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

San Jose is 76% more expensive than Moreno Valley.

$2,617/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↓ 22%
$141,565/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 38%
$1,187,800 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 61%
$2,775/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↓ 29%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $54,088/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $54,088/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Moreno Valley details →

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