Is Moreno Valley, CA cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Moreno Valley, CA is 32.5% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $2437 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $120,761.685 in Moreno Valley, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Moreno Valley, CA is 54.7% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,560/month in Moreno Valley, CA compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Moreno Valley, CA could save you approximately $2437 per month, or $29238 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Santa Ana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Moreno Valley, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.8K in Moreno Valley, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,437

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.2K

Per year

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

Santa Ana, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$833K

Moreno Valley, CA

Population:212K

Cost Index:

(32% below avg)

Median Home:$560K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K 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: Santa Ana, CA vs Moreno Valley, CA

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Moreno Valley, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$3,508/mo	↓ $4,241less	54.7%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $6.70less	0.4%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$551/mo	↓ $2.48less	0.4%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $1.00less	0.1%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$557/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 54.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Moreno Valley, CA

$3,508

Difference

$4,241

less

Other

↓ 0.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Moreno Valley, CA

$1,724

Difference

$6.70

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Moreno Valley, CA

$551

Difference

$2.48

less

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Moreno Valley, CA

$1,039

Difference

$1.00

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Moreno Valley, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Moreno Valley, CA

$557

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$1,970

↓ $235

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,070

↓ $185

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,560

↓ $100

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$3,390

↓ $220

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$9,539

Monthly in Moreno Valley, CA

$4,251

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Moreno Valley

$833K

Median Value

$560K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.4%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$510K - $606K

Homes in Moreno Valley are 33% less expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana 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

Santa Ana, 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

Santa Ana, 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.