Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Topeka is 15% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$947/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$946/mo ≈ Same
$55,902/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 1%
$130,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 66%
$930/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 5%
126,103
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $726/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Topeka or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $726/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New Mexico?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/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 Topeka details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Las Cruces

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks 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