Cost of Living: Independence, MO vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Independence and Las Cruces have a similar cost of living.

$1,061/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 11%
$59,480/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 7%
$166,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 31%
$1,046/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 7%
121,944
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $4,304/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Independence or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $4,304/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and New Mexico?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Independence or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/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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