Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Alexandria is 105% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,031/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 53%
$113,638/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 51%
$696,800 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 69%
$2,173/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 55%
156,788
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.3%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,085/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $13,020/year.

Median household income is $58,462/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Alexandria 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 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,085/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $58,462/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Mexico?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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.
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