El Paso, TX vs Las Cruces, NM: Cost of Living Comparison
El Paso has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | El Paso | Las Cruces | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 72 | 78 | El Paso |
| Housing | 49 ($729) | 62 ($662) | El Paso |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | El Paso |
| Food & groceries | 79 ($324) | 74 ($303) | Las Cruces |
| Utilities | 75 ($88) | 81 ($112) | El Paso |
| Healthcare | 75 ($64) | 81 ($81) | El Paso |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,620) | 97 ($47,210) | Las Cruces |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso, TX or Las Cruces, NM cheaper to live in?
El Paso, TX is cheaper overall by about 6 index points (El Paso, TX: 72, Las Cruces, NM: 78; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in El Paso, TX vs Las Cruces, NM?
A single adult needs roughly $25,200/year in El Paso, TX and $27,300/year in Las Cruces, NM to cover basic living costs.