Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Providence is 46% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,333/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 29%
$66,772/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 17%
$322,800 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 33%
$1,467/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
190,214
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $11,596/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 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

Providence vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Providence 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 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $11,596/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and New Mexico?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Las Cruces details →

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