Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

West Palm Beach is 75% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,709/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 45%
$69,261/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 20%
$369,800 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 41%
$1,667/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
119,508
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $14,085/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is West Palm 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 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Las Cruces?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $14,085/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Mexico?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to West Palm Beach or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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