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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Columbia is 18% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,158/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 18%
$55,653/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$55,176/yr ≈ Same
$243,500 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 11%
$1,169/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
138,019
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $477/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 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

Columbia vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Columbia 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $477/year higher in Columbia.
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 Columbia or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/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 Columbia details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Las Cruces

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids 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