Cost of Living: Las Cruces, NM vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Las Cruces is 7% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$946/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 6%
$55,176/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 12%
$217,400 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 9%
$974/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 7%
112,612
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Cruces, NM and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $6,640/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Cruces is $217,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Cruces vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Las Cruces or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Cruces and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Las Cruces is $946/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Cruces or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $55,176 in Las Cruces and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $6,640/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Alabama?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Las Cruces or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $946/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Las Cruces details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

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