Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Rochester is 37% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,316/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 28%
$87,767/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 37%
$287,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 24%
$1,332/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 27%
121,638
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $32,591/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 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

Rochester vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Rochester 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 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $32,591/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New Mexico?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/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 Rochester details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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