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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Santa Ana is 140% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,975/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 52%
$88,354/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 38%
$657,800 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 67%
$1,965/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 50%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,029/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $12,348/year.

Median household income is $33,178/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,029/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $33,178/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Las Cruces

Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria