Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Meridian is 93% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,714/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 45%
$98,686/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 44%
$485,000 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 55%
$1,607/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 39%
124,865
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $43,510/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Meridian 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 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $43,510/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and New Mexico?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/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 Meridian details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Las Cruces

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria