Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Elizabeth is 65% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,463/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 35%
$63,874/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 14%
$393,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 45%
$1,543/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 37%
135,887
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $8,698/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Elizabeth 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $8,698/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Mexico?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Las Cruces

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland 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