Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Montgomery is 6% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$1,059/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 11%
$55,687/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$55,176/yr ≈ Same
$148,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 46%
$1,023/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 5%
198,440
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $511/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Montgomery or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $511/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Mexico?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and Las Cruces

Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park 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