What's the Cost of Living in Las Cruces, NM?

Are you considering moving to Las Cruces, NM, and want to know more about the cost of living? Keep reading to learn all about the cost of living, median household income, and typical expenses.

Sitting on the tip of the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is a beautiful city like no other. As the second-largest city in New Mexico, here you'll find plenty of sunshine, amazing activities, mouthwatering food, prime real estate, and a low cost of living. 

Whether you are a college student, young professional, family, or retiree, Las Cruces has something to offer everyone. On top of being an amazing place to live, Las Cruces is one of the top places to visit in the country for its stunning scenery and abundance of renowned recreational activities. 

Before moving to Las Cruces, finding the best location for your lifestyle and preferences is vital. The homes in Las Cruces range in price and home style, but we can almost guarantee you will find the perfect home for you at the best price.

Before you move to any new area, you must first research the average cost of living. Every place is different, and you must ensure you'll be able to afford your new home. Keep reading to learn all about the average cost of living and typical expenses in Las Cruces, NM.

Keep reading to learn all about the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM.

Cost of Living

Compared to the national average, Las Cruces' cost of living is about 8% lower, which is much more affordable than other cities in New Mexico like Santa Fe or Albuquerque. Several factors contribute to living costs, such as healthcare, utilities, and transportation costs. 

In Las Cruces, housing costs are 21% lower than the national average, and utilities are 13% lower. On the other hand, groceries are 2% higher, and transportation is 1% higher than the national average. Although both are slightly higher than the national average, you will save much money on housing and utilities to put toward these more costly expenses. 

The average person needs about $34,000 to live comfortably and a minimum annual income of $51,840 for a family in Las Cruces. However, this all depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences.

New Mexico has an affordable cost of living, which is one of the main factors attracting so many people each year. If you are looking for a beautiful and affordable place to live, Las Cruces is perfect.

Look at the most important cost-of-living items and their average price according to PayScale. 

Real Estate

Real estate costs fluctuate in any area due to many factors. Luckily, housing in Las Cruces is 21% lower than the national average, meaning you are extremely likely to find the perfect home for you without breaking the bank. 

The median listing price in Las Cruces is about $410,512 and about $185 on average per square foot, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the state. Homes usually stay on the market for about 91 days, meaning you'll have plenty of time to find the perfect home in Las Cruces. 

Depending on your preferences, many townhomes, single-family homes, gated communities, and luxury homes are for sale in one of Las Cruces' best neighborhoods. 

The real estate market is currently a buyer's market; in other words, the supply of homes exceeds the demand for homes. This might be the perfect time to find your dream home in Las Cruces. 

If you aren't ready to move to Las Cruces, there are plenty of options to rent a beautiful home or apartment for approximately $1,082 a month. No matter if you rent or buy, Las Cruces will be the perfect place to live. 

Income

Before you move, if you haven't already lined up a job, you should look at the current job market in your preferred area. As a major tourist destination, one of the biggest industries in Las Cruces is tourism and hospitality. But there are plenty of other high-paying industries in the area.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate in November 2023 was at 98.3 and is trending upwards. The unemployment rate was at 4.2 in November 2023. 

The minimum wage increased to $12.36 on January 1, 2024, and the tipped wage increased to $4.95. This is a great plus, as many other states have a much lower minimum wage. 

Home to the White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces is a hub for aerospace and aviation. This is the largest industry in the city, followed by healthcare and manufacturing. If you are looking for colleges, Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University, one of the best universities in the state. 

If you currently have a remote job or are looking for a way to work from home, there are still many great opportunities in Las Cruces. Along with its diverse job market, the population has grown by 6.78%, and the median household income has also grown. The current median household income is $51,013. 

Food and Groceries

Las Cruces has some of the finest New Mexican cuisine in the state, with a wide range of options from elegant dining to local eateries. 

Grocery costs are more expensive by the national average by 2%, but you will still be able to find many affordable choices. Your grocery and food costs will be completely up to your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. 

For a better idea of the grocery costs, take a look at the average prices of these common grocery items.

When you don't feel like cooking, don't stress. Las Cruces has some amazing restaurants. Check out these local favorites for a nice meal or a fun night out.

• Los Mariachis: This casual Mexican restaurant features many of the best Mexican dishes for an affordable price. 
• The Game Sports Bar and Grill: This eclectic pub provides a relaxing indoor and outdoor space with live music, refreshing drinks, and delicious food.
• Sunset Grill: This new American restaurant and bar offers three meals and views overlooking the renowned Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. 

Taxes

As one of the most overlooked expenses, many buyers forget how big of an impact taxes may have on your cost of living. Taxes vary from place to place and can add up at the end of the year. It is vital to consider how taxes will impact your cost of living if you are starting a new job or moving to a new position. 

The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate in Las Cruces was about 8.07% and is projected to stay about the same in 2024. This is a total of state, country, and city sales tax rates. The New Mexico sales tax rate is currently 4.88%. 

New Mexico is home to some of the lowest property tax rates in the country, with an effective state property tax rate of 0.73%. 

If you currently make $70,000 a year in Las Cruces, you will be taxed about $10,684 as the average tax rate will be 11.67%, and your marginal tax rate is 22%. New Mexico's tax system ranked 22nd overall on the 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index. 

Transportation

Transportation costs are the next overlooked expense and are 1% higher than the national average. Although this doesn't seem like a huge difference, it may add up if you commute by car every day or travel frequently. 

Las Cruces offers public transportation through RoadRunner Transit to make transportation more affordable. This system operates eight bus routes throughout the city to all major shopping areas, employment centers, healthcare facilities, and recreation destinations. 

If you are coming into the city from another state, you'll likely fly into the El Paso International Airport (ELP), about 50 miles from Las Cruces. You can rent a car, take the shuttle, or take a bus from there. 

Las Cruces is surrounded by several major highways, making traveling in and out of the city extremely easy. There is free public bus transit inside the city, or you can use Uber, Lyft, or Taxi services. 

Las Cruces isn't known to be a walkable city, meaning you'll most likely need a car to travel around the city. 

Healthcare

Healthcare costs are about 5% higher than the national average in Las Cruces. Your personal healthcare costs will vary greatly depending on where you go, the specialized service you need, and your type of healthcare. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the average costs to gauge how much you are likely to spend on this cost-of-living item. 

Las Cruces has several highly rated hospitals, including Memorial Medical Center, Three Croses Regional Hospital, and MountainView Regional Medical Center. 

To understand the average healthcare costs, check out the average prices for standard doctor visits according to PayScale.

FAQ: Cost of Living in Las Cruces, NM

Here are some commonly asked questions about the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM.

Is Las Cruces a good place to live?

Las Cruces is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Las Cruces. The city offers a dense suburban feel, many parks, restaurants, and fun activities.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Las Cruces, NM?

Las Cruces has many amazing neighborhoods; some of the best are High Range, Sonoma Ranch East, and Messa Country Club.

What is the average family income in Las Cruces, NM?

The current median household income in Las Cruces is about $51,013. As the population grows, so does the job market, and the median household income is projected to rise.

Is Las Cruces a cheap place to live?

The overall cost of living is much lower than the national average. Housing is usually the most expensive expense compared to other major cities, but in Las Cruces, housing is 21% lower than the national average. 

Is crime bad in Las Cruces?

The crime rate in Las Cruces is higher than the national average but lower than most cities in New Mexico. It is known as one of the safest places to live in New Mexico.

Cost of Living in Las Cruces, NM - The Bottom Line

Cost of living is one of the most important factors to consider before moving to a new area. Luckily, Las Cruces has a lower-than-average cost of living, and you'll be astonished at how much money you can save. 

On top of the affordable lifestyle, Las Cruces is home to amazing schools, fun activities, delicious food, and a friendly community. You can't go wrong by deciding to move to the beautiful city. 

New Mexico is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly communities, and fun-filled activities. Las Cruces is just one of the many incredible cities in New Mexico. If you find Las Cruces is not for you, there are still several other fantastic places to live in New Mexico, like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Rosewell. 

Don't hesitate to contact one of our highly qualified Real Estate Specialists to help you through the process. Our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. Don't forget to check out the beautiful homes for sale in New Mexico.