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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Plano is 94% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,792/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 47%
$108,649/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 49%
$440,600 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 51%
$1,829/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 47%
287,339
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $846/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,152/year.

Median household income is $53,473/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Plano 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $846/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $53,473/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Las Cruces details →

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