Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Las Vegas is 63% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,456/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 35%
$70,723/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 22%
$395,300 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 45%
$1,452/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 33%
650,873
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $15,547/year higher in Las Vegas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Las Vegas 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 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $15,547/year higher in Las Vegas.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and New Mexico?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Vegas and Las Cruces

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