Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Boise is 65% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,359/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 30%
$81,308/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 32%
$456,000 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 52%
$1,337/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 27%
235,701
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $26,132/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Boise 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $26,132/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Mexico?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Las Cruces

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise 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