Is Moreno Valley, CA cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Moreno Valley, CA is 7.3% more expensive than Modesto, CA. This translates to spending an extra $550 per month.

What salary do I need in Moreno Valley, CA to live like I do in Modesto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $156,605.505 in Moreno Valley, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Modesto, CA and Moreno Valley, CA?

Housing in Moreno Valley, CA is 13.4% more expensive than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,560/month in Moreno Valley, CA compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Modesto, CA to Moreno Valley, CA?

Living in Moreno Valley, CA costs approximately $550 more per month than Modesto, CA, or $6606 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs Moreno Valley, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $550/month more in Moreno Valley, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.6K in Moreno Valley, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$550

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$424K

Moreno Valley, CA

Population:212K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$560K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K residents.

Moreno Valley, CA

The Golden State

212K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 212K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs Moreno Valley, CA

Category	Modesto, CA	Moreno Valley, CA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $683more	46.3%
Housing	$3,092/mo	$3,508/mo	↑ $416more	13.4%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$551/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.9%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$557/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.2%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,724/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Transportation

↑ 46.3%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Moreno Valley, CA

$2,158

Difference

$683

Housing

↑ 13.4%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Moreno Valley, CA

$3,508

Difference

$416

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Moreno Valley, CA

$1,039

Difference

$49.96

less

Healthcare

↑ 9.9%

Modesto, CA

$502

Moreno Valley, CA

$551

Difference

$49.57

All Utilities

↑ 5.2%

Modesto, CA

$530

Moreno Valley, CA

$557

Difference

$27.32

Other

→ 0.0%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Moreno Valley, CA

$1,724

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,970

↑ $680

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,070

↑ $680

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,560

↑ $760

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$3,390

↑ $890

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

Moreno Valley, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,970–$2,360/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$9,539

Monthly in Moreno Valley, CA

$1,126

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Moreno Valley

$424K

Median Value

$560K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.4%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$510K - $606K

Homes in Moreno Valley are 32% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - Moreno Valley

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Modesto, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Moreno Valley, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Moreno Valley, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.