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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Santa Clarita is 37% more expensive than Moreno Valley.

$2,486/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↓ 18%
$119,926/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↓ 27%
$721,000 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$461,400 ↓ 36%
$2,649/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↓ 25%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $32,449/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $32,449/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Moreno Valley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Moreno Valley

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