Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Memphis and Las Cruces have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 16%
$51,211/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 8%
$157,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 38%
$1,087/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 10%
629,063
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $3,965/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Memphis 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 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,965/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Mexico?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Las Cruces

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