Cost of Living: East Los Angeles, CA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

East Los Angeles

California
134
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

East Los Angeles is 97% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,431/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 34%
$68,378/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 19%
$613,600 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 65%
$1,458/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 33%
114,617
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing East Los Angeles, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $13,202/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in East Los Angeles is $613,600 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

East Los Angeles vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is East Los Angeles 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between East Los Angeles and Las Cruces?
Median rent in East Los Angeles is $1,431/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, East Los Angeles or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $68,378 in East Los Angeles and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $13,202/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,431/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 East Los Angeles details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for East Los Angeles and Las Cruces

East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria