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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Sacramento is 94% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,694/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 44%
$83,753/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 34%
$484,600 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 55%
$1,752/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 44%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $28,577/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $28,577/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Las Cruces

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