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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Santa Rosa is 153% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,084/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 55%
$97,410/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 43%
$685,000 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 68%
$2,130/mo ↑ 119%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 54%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,138/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $13,656/year.

Median household income is $42,234/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Santa Rosa 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 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,138/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $42,234/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Las Cruces

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga 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