Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Cary is 99% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,621/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 42%
$129,399/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 57%
$525,200 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 59%
$1,744/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 44%
176,686
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $74,223/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Cary 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 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $74,223/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Mexico?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Las Cruces

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside 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