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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Modesto is 76% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,609/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 41%
$77,899/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 29%
$415,600 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 48%
$1,613/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 40%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $22,723/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $22,723/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Las Cruces

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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