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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Sunnyvale is 401% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$3,065/mo ↑ 224%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 69%
$181,862/yr ↑ 230%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 70%
$1,816,600 ↑ 736%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 88%
$3,016/mo ↑ 210%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 68%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,119/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $25,428/year.

Median household income is $126,686/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 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

Sunnyvale vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Sunnyvale 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 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $2,119/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $126,686/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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