Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Virginia Beach is 72% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,649/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 43%
$90,685/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 39%
$366,300 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 41%
$1,704/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 43%
457,066
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $35,509/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $35,509/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Mexico?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Las Cruces

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis 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