Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Newark is 47% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,330/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 29%
$48,416/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 14%
$337,800 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 36%
$1,419/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 31%
307,188
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $6,760/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 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

Newark vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $6,760/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Mexico?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Las Cruces

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis 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