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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Santa Clara is 351% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,985/mo ↑ 216%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 68%
$173,670/yr ↑ 215%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 68%
$1,527,900 ↑ 603%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 86%
$3,051/mo ↑ 213%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 68%
129,239
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,039/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $24,468/year.

Median household income is $118,494/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 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

Santa Clara vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Santa Clara 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 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $2,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $118,494/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Clara details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clara and Las Cruces

Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville 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