Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Waco is 6% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,098/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 14%
$51,468/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 7%
$199,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 9%
$1,094/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 11%
141,925
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $3,708/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Waco 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 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,708/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Las Cruces

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange 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