Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Austin is 97% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,655/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 43%
$91,461/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 40%
$512,700 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 44%
967,862
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $36,285/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $36,285/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Las Cruces details →

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