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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fresno is 49% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,324/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 29%
$66,804/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 17%
$348,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 38%
$1,391/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 30%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $11,628/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $11,628/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Las Cruces

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City 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