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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Ontario is 124% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,916/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 51%
$82,806/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 33%
$568,000 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 62%
$1,967/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 50%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $27,630/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $27,630/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Las Cruces

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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