Moving from Tempe to Las Cruces (2026)
Las Cruces has a COL index of 82 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 20% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$707/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10382
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,000
per month
State tax
2.5%4.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,434
per month
Salary needed in Las Cruces to match your Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in Las Cruces |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,845 |
| $50K | $39,806 |
| $60K | $47,767 |
| $75K | $59,709 |
| $80K | $63,689 |
| $100K | $79,612 |
| $120K | $95,534 |
| $150K | $119,417 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs Las Cruces
| Expense | Tempe | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $380 | $350 |
| Transport | $55 | $38 |
| Utilities | $210 | $152 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $2,834 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Cruces cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 82 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 20% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to Las Cruces?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Las Cruces could save roughly $707/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,484/year.
What salary do I need in Las Cruces to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $59,709/year in Las Cruces. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Las Cruces to TempeTempe vs Las Cruces — full comparisonTempe cost of livingLas Cruces cost of living
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