Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Detroit is 22% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$1,034/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 9%
$39,575/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 39%
$76,800 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 183%
$868/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 12%
636,644
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $15,601/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Detroit or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $15,601/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and New Mexico?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Las Cruces

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore 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