Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Philadelphia is 25% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,323/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 28%
$60,698/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 9%
$232,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 6%
$1,233/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 21%
1,582,432
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $5,522/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $5,522/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Mexico?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Las Cruces

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