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

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68
VS

Ventura

California
183

Las Cruces is 63% cheaper than Ventura.

$946/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 122%
$55,176/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 82%
$217,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 258%
$974/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 117%
112,612
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Cruces, NM and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,155/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $13,860/year.

Median household income is $45,231/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Cruces is $217,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces vs Ventura — common questions

Is Las Cruces or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Cruces and Ventura?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $946/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,155/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Cruces or Ventura?
Median household income is $55,176 in Las Cruces and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $45,231/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $946/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Las Cruces details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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