San Antonio, TX vs Moreno Valley, CA

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in San Antonio, TX spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 39% higher in Moreno Valley, CA. Home prices in Moreno Valley, CA run 110% higher. San Antonio, TX has the lower unemployment rate.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$87,477
Income in Moreno Valley
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$2,036
Rent in Moreno Valley

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Moreno Valley, CA
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$87,477
39% higher
Median Home Value
$219,700
$461,400
110% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$2,036
62% more
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,980
60% more
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
7.3%
28% more
Population
1,458,954
210,378

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Moreno Valley, CA, the figure is 27.9% , making San Antonio, TX the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Moreno Valley, CA, it's 5.3x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,980 in Moreno Valley. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Moreno Valley, CA it is $87,477. That's a $24,560 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 7.3% in Moreno Valley. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 48.8% in Moreno Valley.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, making it the larger of the two cities. Moreno Valley, CA has 210,378 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov