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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

San Bernardino is 60% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,433/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 34%
$63,988/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 14%
$384,900 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 44%
$1,478/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $8,812/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 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

San Bernardino vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is San Bernardino 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Las Cruces?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $8,812/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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