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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fullerton is 187% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,124/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 55%
$104,219/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 47%
$859,600 ↑ 295%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 75%
$2,251/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 57%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,178/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $14,136/year.

Median household income is $49,043/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 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

Fullerton vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fullerton 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,178/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $49,043/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Las Cruces

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren 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