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

Orange

California
206
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Orange is 203% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,252/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 58%
$116,945/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 53%
$900,700 ↑ 314%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 76%
$2,394/mo ↑ 146%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 59%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,306/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $15,672/year.

Median household income is $61,769/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,306/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $61,769/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Las Cruces

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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