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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Milwaukee and Las Cruces have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 8%
$51,888/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 6%
$172,000 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 26%
$1,082/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 10%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $3,288/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 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

Milwaukee vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,288/year higher in Las Cruces.
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 Milwaukee or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Las Cruces

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