Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Des Moines and Las Cruces have a similar cost of living.

$1,054/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 10%
$63,966/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 14%
$183,700 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 18%
$1,137/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 14%
212,464
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $8,790/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Des Moines 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 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $8,790/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Mexico?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Las Cruces details →

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