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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Surprise is 85% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,917/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 51%
$93,371/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 41%
$396,000 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 45%
$1,587/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 39%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $38,195/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Surprise 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $38,195/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Las Cruces

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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