Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Lakeland is 21% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,299/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 27%
$60,947/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 9%
$229,100 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 5%
$1,149/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 15%
117,030
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $5,771/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Lakeland 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $5,771/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Mexico?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/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 Lakeland details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Las Cruces

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon 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