City Comparison
Modesto vs Moreno Valley
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Modesto scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Modesto
Moreno Valley
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Modesto is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Moreno Valley.
| Metric | Modesto | Moreno Valley | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $1,881 | +4% |
| Groceries | $420 | $413 | +2% |
| Utilities | $210 | $180 | +17% |
| Transport | $130 | $410 | -68% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $302 | -21% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $3,186 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 117 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Modesto offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Modesto delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Modesto is estimated at
$60,000 vs $70,000 in Moreno Valley.
| Metric | Modesto | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,500 | $58,932 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $70,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,857 idx | 50,369 idx |
| Household Income | $79,891 | $93,222 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Modesto runs warmer on average — a 64.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Modesto comes out ahead with 325 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Modesto sees 0.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Modesto | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 94.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 41.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 20.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 60.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Modesto scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Modesto leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Modesto | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Modesto is the larger city
.
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 | Modesto | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 219,652 | 215,549 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 32.5 |
| Unemployment | 7.00% | 5.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Modesto
Advantages
Median home prices in Modesto remain substantially more affordable than coastal California markets like San Francisco or San Jose.
The city features cultural landmarks like the Gallo Center for the Arts, providing vibrant local entertainment and performing arts.
Proximity to agricultural hubs offers residents access to exceptional local produce and weekly farmers' markets.
Robust regional healthcare networks provide advanced medical care and extensive employment opportunities.
Geographic location provides convenient weekend access to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Drawbacks
Crime rates for both property and violent categories sit notably above the national average.
Summer temperatures regularly reach extreme highs, requiring significant energy costs for residential air conditioning.
High car dependency and limited public transit options lead to congested arterial roadways during peak commuting hours.
Local unemployment rates historically track higher than the national baseline due to seasonal agricultural shifts.
Air quality in the San Joaquin Valley basin can experience periodic degradation during peak summer and wildfire seasons.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Modesto
#546California, USA
48.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$66,500
Cost Index
98
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
325/yr
Avg Temp
64.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
7.00%
Livability
71
Business
67
Moreno Valley
#552California, USA
48.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,881
Avg Salary
$58,932
Cost Index
117
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
5.00%
Livability
65
Business
70
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