Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Lexington is 21% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,101/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 14%
$67,631/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 18%
$272,100 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 20%
$1,160/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 16%
321,122
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $12,455/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $12,455/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Mexico?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Las Cruces details →

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