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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Riverside is 112% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,812/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 48%
$88,575/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 38%
$542,100 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 60%
$1,880/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 48%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $866/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,392/year.

Median household income is $33,399/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Riverside 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 Riverside and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $866/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $33,399/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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