City vs city
Las Cruces, NM vs Waterbury, CT
- Rent is 26% lower in Las Cruces (median $974/mo vs $1,225/mo in Waterbury).
- Homes cost 11% less in Waterbury ($209k vs $232k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $267 more a month after taxes and rent in Las Cruces.
- Schools rate higher in Las Cruces (2.7/10 vs 1.5/10).
- Waterbury has less violent crime (2.9 vs 5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Las Cruces has milder winters (44°F vs 28°F average).
- Las Cruces gets more sun (265 vs 183 sunny days a year).
| Las Cruces | Waterbury | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $974/mo | $1,225/mo |
| Median home value | $232k | $209k |
| Median household income | $55k | $52k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,962 | $3,695 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.7/10 | 1.5/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.4× the US rate | 19% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 96°F | 84°F |
| Winter average | 44°F | 28°F |
| Sunny days a year | 265 | 183 |
| Walk score | 49 | 56 |
| Population | 114,197 | 114,869 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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