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

Visalia

California
104
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Visalia is 53% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,397/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 32%
$79,952/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 31%
$340,600 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 36%
$1,509/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 35%
142,649
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

21.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Visalia, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $24,776/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Visalia is $340,600 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

Visalia vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Visalia 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Visalia and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Visalia is $1,397/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Visalia or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $79,952 in Visalia and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $24,776/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Visalia has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,397/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 Visalia details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Visalia and Las Cruces

Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie 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