Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Anchorage is 66% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,453/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 35%
$98,152/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 44%
$375,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 42%
$1,698/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 43%
289,069
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $42,976/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Anchorage 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $42,976/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and New Mexico?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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