Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Columbus is 22% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,224/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 23%
$65,327/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 16%
$234,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 7%
$1,243/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 22%
906,480
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $10,151/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $10,151/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Mexico?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Las Cruces

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco 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