Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Houston is 29% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,313/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 28%
$62,894/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 12%
$253,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 14%
$1,316/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 26%
2,300,419
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $7,718/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $7,718/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston and Las Cruces

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