Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Baltimore is 24% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,290/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 27%
$59,623/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 7%
$219,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$217,400 ≈ Same
$1,333/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 27%
577,193
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $4,447/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $4,447/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New Mexico?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baltimore and Las Cruces

Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno 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