Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Madison is 51% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,364/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 31%
$76,983/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 28%
$346,900 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 37%
$1,476/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
275,568
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $21,807/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 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

Madison vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $21,807/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Mexico?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Las Cruces details →

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