Moving from Waco to Las Cruces (2026)
Las Cruces has a COL index of 82 vs 83 for Waco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$20/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8382
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,000$1,000
per month
State tax
None4.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,434
per month
Salary needed in Las Cruces to match your Waco lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Waco | Equivalent in Las Cruces |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,518 |
| $50K | $49,398 |
| $60K | $59,277 |
| $75K | $74,096 |
| $80K | $79,036 |
| $100K | $98,795 |
| $120K | $118,554 |
| $150K | $148,193 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Waco vs Las Cruces
| Expense | Waco | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,434 |
| 1BR rent | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $350 | $350 |
| Transport | $38 | $38 |
| Utilities | $172 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,121 | $2,834 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Cruces cheaper than Waco?
Yes. Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 82 vs 83 for Waco (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Waco to Las Cruces?
On a $75K salary, moving from Waco to Las Cruces could save roughly $20/month on core expenses. That's ~$240/year.
What salary do I need in Las Cruces to match my Waco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Waco, you'd need roughly $74,096/year in Las Cruces. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Las Cruces to WacoWaco vs Las Cruces — full comparisonWaco 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