Cost of Living: Waterbury, CT vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Waterbury

Connecticut
76
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Waterbury is 12% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,180/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 20%
$51,642/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 7%
$185,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 17%
$1,273/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 23%
114,356
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waterbury, CT and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $3,534/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waterbury is $185,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Waterbury 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waterbury and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,180/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Waterbury or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $51,642 in Waterbury and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $3,534/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and New Mexico?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Waterbury or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,180/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 Waterbury details → View Las Cruces details →

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