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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Los Angeles is 175% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,879/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 50%
$80,366/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 31%
$879,500 ↑ 305%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 75%
$2,055/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 53%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $25,190/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $25,190/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Las Cruces

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix 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