Cost of Living: Billings, MT vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Billings

Montana
86
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Billings is 26% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,097/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 14%
$71,855/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 23%
$311,800 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 30%
$1,177/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
118,321
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

6.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.74%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Billings, MT and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 86 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $16,679/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Billings is $311,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Billings 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 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Billings and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Billings is $1,097/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Billings or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $71,855 in Billings and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $16,679/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Montana and New Mexico?
Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Billings or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Billings has a cost index of 86 with median rent of $1,097/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 Billings details → View Las Cruces details →

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