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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fontana is 115% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,733/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 45%
$98,187/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 44%
$558,500 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 61%
$1,990/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 51%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $43,011/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 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

Fontana vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fontana 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 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $43,011/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Las Cruces

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester 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