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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Dayton is 26% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$866/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↑ 9%
$43,454/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 27%
$93,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 133%
$833/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 17%
136,741
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $11,722/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Dayton or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $11,722/year higher in Las Cruces.
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 Dayton or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/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 Dayton details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Las Cruces

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