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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Pomona is 110% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,738/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 46%
$78,869/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 30%
$569,600 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 62%
$1,758/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 45%
148,391
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

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $23,693/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 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

Pomona vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Pomona 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 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $23,693/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/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 Pomona details → View Las Cruces details →

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