Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Lubbock is 10% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,137/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 17%
$60,487/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 9%
$197,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 10%
$1,179/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
261,078
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $5,311/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Lubbock 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 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $5,311/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Las Cruces details →

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