Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Kansas City is 4% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$1,073/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 12%
$59,183/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 7%
$147,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 48%
$1,054/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 8%
154,776
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $4,007/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Kansas City or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $4,007/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New Mexico?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Las Cruces

Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood 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