Performance
Score Breakdown
Moreno Valley
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Los Angeles is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% higher compared to Moreno Valley.
Housing costs are a major driver: Moreno Valley's average rent is
14% lower than Los Angeles's.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,881 | $2,184 | -14% |
| Groceries | $413 | $450 | -8% |
| Utilities | $180 | $231 | -22% |
| Transport | $410 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $302 | $150 | +101% |
| Monthly Total | $3,186 | $3,015 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 117 | 149 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Moreno Valley offers 21% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Moreno Valley delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Moreno Valley is estimated at
$70,000 vs $61,558 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,932 | $48,651 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $61,558 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,369 idx | 32,652 idx |
| Household Income | $93,222 | $81,939 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 60.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Moreno Valley scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Moreno Valley.
From a growth perspective, Moreno Valley is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Moreno Valley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 215,549 | 3,863,148 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | % |
| Median Age | 32.5 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.00% | 5.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $1,000.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Moreno Valley
Advantages
More affordable housing market compared to other major Southern California cities, with median home prices significantly lower than Murrieta and Temecula.
Strategic location with direct freeway access to Los Angeles and Orange County, offering shorter commute times for many.
Growing industrial sector, particularly in logistics and warehousing, providing steady employment opportunities.
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, conducive to outdoor activities year-round.
Diverse and relatively young population, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Cost of living is 17% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing and transportation costs.
Higher violent and property crime rates compared to national averages.
Heavily car-dependent city with a walk score of 0, necessitating a car for most daily activities.
Recent job growth has seen a decline of 1.38% in employment from June 2025 to June 2026.
School performance and safety statistics reportedly lag behind some neighboring cities like Murrieta and Temecula.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, particularly in entertainment, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering varied job opportunities.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Healthcare quality is high, with major institutions like LA General Medical Center receiving top safety grades and exceeding state benchmarks.
Los Angeles is a global cultural hub, offering a rich array of arts, dining, and entertainment options.
Homicides in Los Angeles decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the lowest number since 1966.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly high, with housing expenses being 135% higher than the national average.
Los Angeles is a highly car-dependent city, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times, averaging 30 minutes.
The city's population is experiencing a slight annual decline, with a -0.15% growth rate projected for 2026.
Despite improvements, Los Angeles's safety score of 58/100 indicates a moderate crime rate, higher than the average U.S. city.
Utility costs in Los Angeles are 9% higher than the national average, adding to the overall expense of living.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Moreno Valley
#68California, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,881
Avg Salary
$58,932
Cost Index
117
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
5.00%
Livability
65
Business
70
Los Angeles
#68California, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,184
Avg Salary
$48,651
Cost Index
149
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
Business
75
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