Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Seattle is 188% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,998/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 53%
$121,984/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 55%
$912,100 ↑ 320%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 76%
$2,220/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 56%
741,440
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,052/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $12,624/year.

Median household income is $66,808/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,052/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $66,808/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Mexico?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Las Cruces

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville 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