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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Berkeley is 269% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,127/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 56%
$108,558/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 49%
$1,351,100 ↑ 521%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 84%
$2,340/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 58%
120,223
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,181/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $14,172/year.

Median household income is $53,382/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 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

Berkeley vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Berkeley 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 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,181/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $53,382/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Las Cruces

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