Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Cedar Rapids is 4% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$925/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↑ 2%
$67,859/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 19%
$177,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 23%
$1,084/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 10%
136,859
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,683/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $12,683/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Mexico?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/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 Cedar Rapids details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Las Cruces

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar 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