Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Abilene is 4% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,106/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 14%
$62,720/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 12%
$178,900 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 22%
$1,114/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 13%
127,130
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $7,544/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Abilene 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 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $7,544/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/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 Abilene details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Las Cruces

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland 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