Cost of Living: Elgin, IL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Elgin

Illinois
90
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Elgin is 32% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,260/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 25%
$88,316/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 38%
$252,400 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 35%
114,106
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

17.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elgin, IL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $33,140/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elgin is $252,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elgin vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Elgin 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elgin and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Elgin is $1,260/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Elgin or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $88,316 in Elgin and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $33,140/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Mexico?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Elgin or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Elgin has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,260/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 Elgin details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elgin and Las Cruces

Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont 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