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

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Las Cruces is 50% cheaper than Allen.

$946/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 98%
$55,176/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 134%
$217,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 98%
$974/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 114%
112,612
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Cruces, NM and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $931/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $11,172/year.

Median household income is $73,954/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Cruces is $217,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces vs Allen — common questions

Is Las Cruces or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Cruces and Allen?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $946/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $931/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Cruces or Allen?
Median household income is $55,176 in Las Cruces and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $73,954/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Las Cruces or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $946/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Las Cruces details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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