Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Athens is 22% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,162/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 19%
$51,655/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 7%
$271,800 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 20%
$1,163/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 16%
126,987
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $3,521/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Athens 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,521/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Mexico?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Las Cruces

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley 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