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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Long Beach is 149% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,803/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 48%
$83,969/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 34%
$762,200 ↑ 251%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 71%
$1,890/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 48%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $28,793/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $28,793/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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