Moving from Houston to Las Cruces (2026)
Las Cruces has a COL index of 82 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Las Cruces to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Las Cruces |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,526 |
| $50K | $43,158 |
| $60K | $51,789 |
| $75K | $64,737 |
| $80K | $69,053 |
| $100K | $86,316 |
| $120K | $103,579 |
| $150K | $129,474 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Las Cruces
| Expense | Houston | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $357 | $350 |
| Transport | $90 | $38 |
| Utilities | $175 | $152 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,834 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Cruces cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 82 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Las Cruces?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to Las Cruces could save roughly $437/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,244/year.
What salary do I need in Las Cruces to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $64,737/year in Las Cruces. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only