Cost of Living: Simi Valley, CA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Simi Valley is 194% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,513/mo ↑ 166%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 62%
$117,703/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 53%
$753,500 ↑ 247%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 71%
$2,576/mo ↑ 164%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 62%
125,769
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,567/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $18,804/year.

Median household income is $62,527/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 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

Simi Valley vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Simi Valley 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 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,567/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $62,527/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/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 Simi Valley details → View Las Cruces details →

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