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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fairfield is 146% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,191/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 57%
$102,321/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 46%
$592,500 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 63%
$2,226/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 56%
119,985
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,245/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $14,940/year.

Median household income is $47,145/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 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

Fairfield vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fairfield 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 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,245/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $47,145/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Las Cruces

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill 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