Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Wilmington is 47% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,311/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 28%
$63,900/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 14%
$350,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 38%
$1,371/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 29%
118,578
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $8,724/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Wilmington 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $8,724/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Mexico?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Wilmington or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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 Wilmington details → View Las Cruces details →

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