Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Killeen is 10% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,147/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 18%
$58,339/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 5%
$196,000 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 11%
$1,176/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
156,144
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $3,163/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Killeen 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 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,163/year higher in Killeen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Las Cruces

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