Cost of Living: Norman, OK vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Norman

Oklahoma
76
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Norman is 12% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,064/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 11%
$65,060/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 15%
$239,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 9%
$1,121/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 13%
128,714
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norman, OK and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $9,884/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norman is $239,300 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norman vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Norman 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norman and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Norman is $1,064/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Norman or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $65,060 in Norman and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $9,884/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and New Mexico?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Norman or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Norman has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,064/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 Norman details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia 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