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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Santa Clarita is 190% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,486/mo ↑ 163%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 62%
$119,926/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 54%
$721,000 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 70%
$2,649/mo ↑ 172%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 63%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,540/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $18,480/year.

Median household income is $64,750/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,540/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $64,750/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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