Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Indianapolis is 9% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,112/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 15%
$62,995/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 12%
$207,000 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 5%
$1,124/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 13%
882,043
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $7,819/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Indianapolis 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $7,819/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and New Mexico?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis and Las Cruces

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver 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