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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Bakersfield is 53% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,371/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 31%
$77,397/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 29%
$347,300 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 37%
$1,540/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
408,366
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $22,221/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 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

Bakersfield vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Bakersfield 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $22,221/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Las Cruces details →

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