Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Little Rock is 9% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,067/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 11%
$60,583/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 9%
$221,200 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 2%
$1,099/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 11%
202,739
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $5,407/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Little Rock 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $5,407/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and New Mexico?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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