Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Cambridge is 251% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,742/mo ↑ 190%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 65%
$126,469/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 56%
$1,040,500 ↑ 379%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 79%
$2,634/mo ↑ 170%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 63%
117,794
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,796/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $21,552/year.

Median household income is $71,293/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 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

Cambridge vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Cambridge 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 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,796/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $71,293/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Mexico?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Las Cruces

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland 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