Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Anaheim is 114% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,082/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 55%
$90,583/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 39%
$771,700 ↑ 255%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 72%
$2,165/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 55%
344,553
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,136/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $13,632/year.

Median household income is $35,407/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Anaheim or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,136/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $35,407/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and New Mexico?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Las Cruces details →