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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Moreno Valley is 112% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,036/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 54%
$87,477/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 37%
$461,400 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 53%
$1,980/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 51%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,090/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $13,080/year.

Median household income is $32,301/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 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

Moreno Valley vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Moreno Valley 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,090/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $32,301/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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