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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Wichita is 4% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$960/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 1%
$63,072/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 13%
$179,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 21%
$994/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
396,488
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

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,896/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Wichita or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $7,896/year higher in Wichita.
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 Wichita or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Las Cruces

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora 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