Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Kent is 113% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,833/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 48%
$90,416/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 39%
$537,500 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 60%
$1,915/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 49%
135,015
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $887/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,644/year.

Median household income is $35,240/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Kent 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 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $887/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $35,240/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Mexico?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Las Cruces

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights 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