Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Portland is 103% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,596/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 41%
$88,792/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 38%
$557,600 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 61%
$1,771/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 45%
642,715
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $33,616/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $33,616/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Mexico?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Las Cruces

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville 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