Cost of Living: Provo, UT vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Provo

Utah
102
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Provo is 50% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,152/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 18%
$62,800/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 12%
$437,100 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 50%
$1,220/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 20%
114,303
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $7,624/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Provo 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Provo and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Provo or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $7,624/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Utah and New Mexico?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Provo or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/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 Provo details → View Las Cruces details →

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