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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Irvine is 276% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,893/mo ↑ 206%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 67%
$129,647/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 57%
$1,115,400 ↑ 413%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 81%
$2,904/mo ↑ 198%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 66%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,947/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $23,364/year.

Median household income is $74,471/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,947/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $74,471/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Las Cruces

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh 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