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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Pasadena is 12% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,201/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 21%
$64,270/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 14%
$193,600 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 12%
$1,141/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 15%
149,345
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $9,094/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 Pasadena and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $9,094/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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