Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Birmingham is 9% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$1,047/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 10%
$44,376/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 24%
$138,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 57%
$991/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
199,322
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $10,800/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Birmingham or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $10,800/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Mexico?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Las Cruces

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery 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