Cost of Living: College Station, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

College Station is 34% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,168/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 19%
$51,776/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 7%
$326,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 33%
$1,251/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 22%
122,280
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $3,400/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is College Station 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Las Cruces?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,400/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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