Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Reno is 79% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,453/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 35%
$78,448/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 30%
$498,600 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 56%
$1,482/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
268,959
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $23,272/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Reno 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $23,272/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and New Mexico?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Las Cruces

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock 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