Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Huntsville is 15% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,078/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 12%
$70,778/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 22%
$263,100 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 17%
$1,046/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 7%
218,814
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $15,602/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Huntsville 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 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $15,602/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Mexico?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Las Cruces

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana 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