Cost of Living: Odessa, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Odessa

Texas
83
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Odessa is 22% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,322/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 28%
$73,030/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 24%
$208,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 5%
$1,251/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 22%
114,080
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Odessa, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $376/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,512/year.

Median household income is $17,854/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Odessa is $208,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Odessa vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Odessa 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Odessa and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Odessa is $1,322/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $376/month.
Which city has higher income, Odessa or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $73,030 in Odessa and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $17,854/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Odessa or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Odessa has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,322/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 Odessa details → View Las Cruces details →

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