Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Denver is 116% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,770/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 47%
$91,681/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 40%
$586,700 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 63%
$1,839/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 47%
713,734
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $824/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $9,888/year.

Median household income is $36,505/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $824/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $36,505/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Mexico?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Las Cruces

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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