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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Kansas City is 18% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,186/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 20%
$67,449/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 18%
$227,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 4%
$1,205/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 19%
508,233
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

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $12,273/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Missouri 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, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $12,273/year higher in Kansas City.
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 Kansas City or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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

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