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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Tacoma is 85% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,597/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 41%
$83,857/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 34%
$454,600 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 52%
$1,747/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 44%
220,482
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $28,681/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $28,681/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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