Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Durham is 54% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,412/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 33%
$79,234/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 30%
$355,300 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 39%
$1,434/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 32%
288,465
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $24,058/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $24,058/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Mexico?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Las Cruces

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo 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