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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Stockton is 69% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,495/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 37%
$76,851/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 28%
$412,900 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 47%
$1,555/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $21,675/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 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

Stockton vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Stockton 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 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $21,675/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Las Cruces details →

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