Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Charleston is 88% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,632/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 42%
$90,038/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 39%
$469,100 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 54%
$1,688/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
152,014
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $34,862/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 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

Charleston vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Charleston 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 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $34,862/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and New Mexico?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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 Charleston details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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