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

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Las Cruces is 50% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$946/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 95%
$55,176/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 53%
$217,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 120%
$974/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 84%
112,612
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $896/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,752/year.

Median household income is $29,441/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Cruces is $217,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Las Cruces or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Cruces and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $946/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $896/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Cruces or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $55,176 in Las Cruces and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $29,441/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $946/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Las Cruces details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Cruces and Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton