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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Arlington is 199% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,275/mo ↑ 140%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 58%
$140,160/yr ↑ 154%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 61%
$864,800 ↑ 298%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 75%
$2,414/mo ↑ 148%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 60%
235,463
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,329/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $15,948/year.

Median household income is $84,984/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Arlington 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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,329/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $84,984/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Las Cruces

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane 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