Cost of Living: Las Cruces, NM vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Las Cruces is 7% more expensive than Peoria.

$946/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$951/mo ≈ Same
$55,176/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 6%
$217,400 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 31%
$974/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 3%
112,612
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Cruces, NM and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,540/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Cruces is $217,400 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces vs Peoria — common questions

Is Las Cruces or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Cruces and Peoria?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $946/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Cruces or Peoria?
Median household income is $55,176 in Las Cruces and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $3,540/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Illinois?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Las Cruces or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $946/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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