Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Raleigh is 62% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,468/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 36%
$82,424/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 33%
$377,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 42%
$1,487/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
470,763
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $27,248/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $27,248/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Mexico?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Las Cruces

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