Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Arvada is 124% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,802/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 48%
$113,396/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 51%
$600,800 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 64%
$1,948/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 50%
122,835
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $58,220/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Arvada 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $58,220/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Mexico?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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