Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Scottsdale is 143% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,910/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 50%
$107,372/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 49%
$709,900 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 69%
$1,824/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 47%
242,169
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $964/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $11,568/year.

Median household income is $52,196/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $964/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $52,196/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Mexico?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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