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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Pasadena is 224% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,218/mo ↑ 134%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 57%
$103,778/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 47%
$1,045,000 ↑ 381%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 79%
$2,340/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 58%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,272/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $15,264/year.

Median household income is $48,602/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,272/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $48,602/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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