Corona, CA vs. Murrieta, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Corona or Murrieta? This article provides a cost of living comparison between the two cities to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in Corona vs Murrieta in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Corona and Murrieta:
| Housing Type | Corona | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,450 | $2,200 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $650,000 | $580,000 |
🏆 Winner: Murrieta. Housing costs an estimated 10-15% less in Murrieta compared to Corona.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another key living expense. In Corona and Murrieta, expect to pay around:
- $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash collection
- $65/month for internet
Both cities have very similar utility costs and climates. Murrieta’s electricity rates are about 5% lower on average.
🏆 Winner: Murrieta, but only by a slight margin.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries, household items, and everyday spending, costs are nearly identical between the two cities. Expect a single person’s grocery budget to start around $300-350/month.
Restaurant prices are comparable, with a basic meal out costing $15-20 per person in both Corona and Murrieta.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major cost differences for groceries and daily spending.
Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax rate is 7.25% statewide. With local taxes added:
- Corona’s total sales tax rate is 8.75%
- Murrieta’s total sales tax rate is 8.25%
Property taxes are also similar. Corona’s effective property tax rate is 1.15% vs 1.13% in Murrieta. For a $600K home, that’s a difference of about $120/year.
🏆 Winner: Murrieta has a slight edge with lower sales and property tax rates.
Cost of Living in Corona vs Murrieta
To sum it all up, here’s an estimated monthly budget comparison between the two cities for a professional household:
| Expense | Corona | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage*) | $3,100 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $245 | $235 |
| Groceries | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Misc. | $600 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,245 | $4,885 |
*Based on median 3BR home prices with 20% down and a 5% mortgage rate.
Overall, Murrieta comes out ahead by about $350/month for an average household budget. Of course, your individual cost of living will depend on your unique lifestyle and spending habits. To dive deeper, check out these Sample Monthly Budgets for Corona in 2025.
Lifestyle Fit
While Murrieta is more affordable overall, Corona has some lifestyle advantages:
- Corona is about 10 miles closer to major job centers like Riverside and Ontario, meaning shorter commutes for many.
- Corona feels more urban and walkable, while Murrieta has a quieter, suburban vibe.
Ultimately, the better fit depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corona more affordable than Murrieta?
No, Murrieta has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. A typical household budget is about $350/month less in Murrieta.
Which city has lower rent?
Murrieta has lower average rent prices. A 2BR apartment rents for around $2,200/month vs $2,450/month in Corona.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Murrieta also has lower home prices. The median price for a 3BR home is about $580,000 in Murrieta compared to $650,000 in Corona.
Conclusion
While both Corona and Murrieta are relatively affordable places to live in Southern California, Murrieta comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families looking to maximize their housing budget will find better value in Murrieta, while those prioritizing location and commute times may prefer Corona.
For a full picture of your expected expenses in Corona, read our Cost of Living in Corona: Your Monthly Budget Guide for 2025. And to compare other cities in the region, browse our other cost of living breakdowns for popular California metros.