Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Worcester is 53% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,415/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 33%
$67,544/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 18%
$339,500 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 36%
$1,521/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 36%
205,501
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $12,368/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 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

Worcester vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $12,368/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Mexico?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Las Cruces

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock 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