City Comparison
San Bernardino vs Moreno Valley
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Moreno Valley scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
San Bernardino
Moreno Valley
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San Bernardino is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% lower compared to Moreno Valley.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Moreno Valley | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,803 | $1,881 | -4% |
| Groceries | $450 | $413 | +9% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $410 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $302 | -17% |
| Monthly Total | $2,803 | $3,186 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 124 | 117 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
San Bernardino offers 8% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, San Bernardino delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in San Bernardino is estimated at
$55,000 vs $70,000 in Moreno Valley.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,500 | $58,932 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $70,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,210 idx | 50,369 idx |
| Household Income | $67,415 | $93,222 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
San Bernardino runs warmer on average — a 66.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, San Bernardino comes out ahead with 328 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — San Bernardino sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 93.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 44.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 19.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 328 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 60.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
San Bernardino scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Bernardino leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
San Bernardino 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 | San Bernardino | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,044 | 215,549 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.01% | 0.60% |
| Median Age | 32.2 | 32.5 |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 5.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
San Bernardino
Advantages
More affordable cost of living compared to coastal California cities.
Proximity to diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountains and deserts.
Growing logistics and transportation industry providing job opportunities.
Developing urban core with ongoing revitalization efforts.
Diverse and multicultural population contributing to a rich community fabric.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to state and national averages, particularly property crime and vehicle theft.
Housing costs are higher than the national average.
Car dependency is high, with public transportation options being less comprehensive.
Economic disparities exist within the population.
Perception of safety can be a concern for some residents.
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.
San Bernardino
#166California, USA
37.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,803
Avg Salary
$63,500
Cost Index
124
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
328/yr
Avg Temp
66.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.01%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
70
Business
68
Moreno Valley
#130California, USA
49.8 / 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
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