Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fort Collins is 101% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,661/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 43%
$83,598/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 34%
$548,400 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 60%
$1,692/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
169,705
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $28,422/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fort Collins 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 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $28,422/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Mexico?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas 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