Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Ann Arbor is 78% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,552/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 39%
$81,089/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 32%
$435,100 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 50%
$1,638/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 41%
121,179
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $25,913/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Ann Arbor 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 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $25,913/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and New Mexico?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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 Ann Arbor details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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