Example household · Phoenix, AZ · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Las Cruces

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Phoenix vs Las Cruces

Phoenix and Las Cruces

Photo: Jpawela / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Las Cruces are under the US rate in this release, 5.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Phoenix to Las Cruces

In 2022-2023, 152 households filed a move from Phoenix to Las Cruces (about 241 people, average adjusted gross income $45,566). 233 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,277 in Phoenix and $862 in Las Cruces. Phoenix has a state tax on wages. Las Cruces has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Las Cruces is 80% of the national level for the same work, against 97% in Phoenix.

Las Cruces averages 285 sunny days, with July highs around 99°F and January nights around 34°F. Phoenix is 299 sunny days, 106°F in July, 46°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Las Cruces and 26 in Phoenix.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 152 households moved Phoenix → Las Cruces (about 241 people, average AGI $45,566). 233 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Phoenix and Las Cruces changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 371 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,950–$3,650
Container or pod
$1,350–$2,500
Rent a truck
$600–$1,100

Movers in Las Cruces and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Las Cruces cheaper than Phoenix after tax and rent?

Yes. Las Cruces leaves about $387 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,277 in Phoenix and $862 in Las Cruces.

Does Las Cruces have state income tax?

Las Cruces is in New Mexico, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Phoenix to Las Cruces?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.