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

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Las Cruces is 70% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$946/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 153%
$55,176/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 99%
$217,400 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 385%
$974/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 153%
112,612
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Cruces, NM and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,449/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $17,388/year.

Median household income is $54,897/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Cruces is $217,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Las Cruces or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Cruces and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $946/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,449/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Cruces or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $55,176 in Las Cruces and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $54,897/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Cruces or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $946/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Las Cruces details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Cruces and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria