Cost of Living in Las Cruces, NM
Population 112,612 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Las Cruces cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $217,000, rents near $946 a month. A poverty rate near 22% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Las Cruces
The median home value in Las Cruces is $217,400 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $946/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,176/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Mexico's top state income tax rate is 5.9% and the combined sales tax is 7.7%. The climate averages highs of 76.1°F and lows of 42.4°F. Overall, Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 62 | 69 | 77 | 85 | 95 | 94 | 91 | 86 | 77 | 66 | 55 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 32 | 39 | 47 | 59 | 66 | 64 | 56 | 42 | 31 | 23 |
| Precip" | 0.63 | 0.37 | 0.21 | 0.19 | 0.42 | 0.85 | 2.30 | 2.20 | 1.10 | 0.79 | 0.61 | 0.59 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM?
Las Cruces has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Las Cruces, NM?
The median gross rent in Las Cruces is $946 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Las Cruces?
The median home value in Las Cruces is $217,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Las Cruces?
The median household income in Las Cruces is $55,176 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Las Cruces, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Las Cruces is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Las Cruces, NM affordable?
Yes, Las Cruces is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces has average high temperatures of 76.1°F and average lows of 42.4°F. Annual precipitation is 10.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Las Cruces at a Glance
- Population
- 112,612
- Median Income
- $55,176
- Home Value
- $217,400
- Median Rent
- $946/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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