Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania

Las Cruces

New Mexico

Allentown is 11% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,269/mo ↑ 34%

Median Rent

$946/mo ↓ 25%

$53,403/yr ↓ 3%

Median Income

$55,176/yr ↑ 3%

$188,900 ↓ 13%

Home Value

$217,400 ↑ 15%

$1,243/mo ↑ 28%

Owner Costs

$974/mo ↓ 22%

125,320

Population

112,612

Tax Comparison

3.07%

Income Tax

5.9%

6.0%

Sales Tax

5.0%

1.49%

Property Tax

0.67%

Affordability

28.5%

rent-to-income

Affordability

20.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $1,773/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Allentown 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 79 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Allentown and Las Cruces?

Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $323/month.

Which city has higher income, Allentown or Las Cruces?

Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $1,773/year higher in Las Cruces.

How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Mexico?

Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.

Should I move to Allentown or Las Cruces?

It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/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.