Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Lowell is 75% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,603/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 41%
$76,205/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 28%
$395,100 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 45%
$1,672/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
114,799
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $21,029/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Lowell 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 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $21,029/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Mexico?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/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 Lowell details → View Las Cruces details →

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