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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Santa Ana is 13% more expensive than Moreno Valley.

$1,975/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 3%
$88,354/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ≈ Same
$657,800 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 30%
$1,965/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ≈ Same
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $877/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $877/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Moreno Valley details →

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