Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Lakewood is 107% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,746/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 46%
$85,789/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 36%
$548,200 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 60%
$1,729/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 44%
156,309
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $800/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $9,600/year.

Median household income is $30,613/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Lakewood 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 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $800/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $30,613/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Mexico?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Las Cruces details →

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