College Station, TX vs Las Cruces, NM: Cost of Living
Which city costs less?
Las Cruces, NM has a modeled overall cost index 3.0% lower than College Station, TX.
- College Station, TX · modeled 2BR rent
- $1,250 / month
- Las Cruces, NM · modeled 2BR rent
- $1,090 / month
These are saved estimates, not current rental listings. Some cities use adjusted regional data. Your household budget can differ from the overall index. Sources and assumptions
Adjust your income and compare the budget ↓Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Compare College Station, TX and Las Cruces, NM using saved regional data and explicit budgeting assumptions. Rent estimates are not live listings. Change the salary below, then check the source notes before applying a result to your household.
Saved regional estimates · Sources and assumptions
Estimated savings: $226/month in Las Cruces, NM
$150,000 in your current city has a modeled equivalent of $147,287 in Las Cruces, NM
Assumes 60% of current gross income goes to living costs. The headline uses the category budget below; taxes, moving costs and savings goals are excluded.
College Station, TX
Las Cruces, NM
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Plan my move with the free checklistCollege Station, TX
The Lone Star State
Located in Texas, this city has a population of 125K residents.
💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!
Las Cruces, NM
The Land of Enchantment
Located in New Mexico, this city has a population of 115K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Estimated monthly spending: College Station, TX vs Las Cruces, NM
Assumes 60% of your current gross income is spent on these categories. The headline and totals use this same budget. Rent estimates below are separate reference data. Rounded amounts may differ by $1.
| Category | College Station, TX | Las Cruces, NM | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transportation | $1,488/mo | $1,358/mo | ↓ $130less | 8.8% |
Groceries | $977/mo | $1,038/mo | ↑ $61.58more | 6.3% |
All Utilities | $592/mo | $538/mo | ↓ $54.51less | 9.2% |
Healthcare | $602/mo | $555/mo | ↓ $47.54less | 7.9% |
Housing | $2,025/mo | $1,993/mo | ↓ $31.90less | 1.6% |
Other | $1,815/mo | $1,792/mo | ↓ $23.26less | 1.3% |
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $1,090–$1,190/mo
1BR range: $950–$1,260/mo
💡 Note: HUD Fair Market Rents estimate 40th-percentile gross rents, including most tenant-paid utilities. City ZIP summaries are medians of those estimates, not market median rents. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Home Values
Homes in Las Cruces are 12% less expensive than College Station
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
College Station, TX
Las Cruces, NM
Additional Tax Information
College Station, TX Tax Rates
Las Cruces, NM Tax Rates
💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.
Environment
Before moving from College Station, TX to Las Cruces, NM
Use this comparison to shortlist a move, then check the costs that depend on your household.
- Compare actual homes. Get current quotes in Las Cruces, NM for the same bedroom count and included utilities as your home in College Station, TX. Add parking, deposits, insurance and any overlapping leases. The rent estimates above are a starting point, not available listings.
- Confirm your income. Check your expected pay with your employer, including any location adjustment. Use “Different salary at destination?” above to compare two incomes. The budget model excludes taxes and one-time moving costs; it is not a take-home-pay calculation.
- Price your daily routine. Check the commute from a specific address to work, school or childcare. Add household expenses missing from this model, such as childcare, debt payments and medical needs. Verify local services before signing a lease.
- Plan the transition. Get moving quotes and budget for travel, setup costs and time off. Open your College Station to Las Cruces moving checklist to organize the tasks and timing.
Still choosing a destination? Explore cities similar to Las Cruces, NM by cost, housing, population and region.
Frequently Asked Questions: College Station, TX vs Las Cruces, NM
How do the cost estimates for College Station, TX and Las Cruces, NM compare?
What does the equivalent salary mean?
What rent estimates are available for College Station, TX and Las Cruces, NM?
How should I use this comparison before moving?
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Texas and New Mexico on TaxTakeHome.com
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