Performance
Score Breakdown
Eugene
Las Cruces
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Las Cruces is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
15% higher compared to Eugene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Eugene's average rent is
69% higher than Las Cruces's.
| Metric | Eugene | Las Cruces | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,068 | +69% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $0 | $198 | -100% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,290 | $1,986 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 64 | 91 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Las Cruces offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Eugene | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $52,790 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $64,000 |
| Household Income | $66,562 | $55,422 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Eugene | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 4.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Las Cruces scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Las Cruces leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Eugene | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 34.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.80 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Las Cruces.
From a growth perspective, Las Cruces is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Eugene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Eugene | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 178,675 | 116,998 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.03% | 0.99% |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 33.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
Las Cruces
Advantages
The cost of living in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. [9, 10, 35, 39]
Las Cruces offers a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. [4, 8, 12 in previous search, 28 in previous search]
The city has a thriving job market with consistent growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and government. [4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 40]
Las Cruces was ranked 9th among small cities for overall economic growth in a 2025 study, indicating strong economic momentum. [29, 41]
The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. [8, 24 in previous search, 30 in previous search]
Drawbacks
Las Cruces has a high crime rate, with violent crime reported to be 68% higher and property crime 153% higher than the national average in 2024. [20]
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low walkability score. [10, 11, 22]
Some residents report challenges with the quality and access to medical specialists and addiction treatment services. [8, 44 in previous search, 45 in previous search]
Average hourly earnings in Las Cruces are lower than the national average. [41 in previous search, 17]
Traffic congestion can lead to annual delays for drivers. [43 in previous search]
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Eugene
#4Oregon, USA
79.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
Las Cruces
#21New Mexico, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,068
Avg Salary
$52,790
Cost Index
91
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.99%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
78
Business
70
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Eugene and Las Cruces.
Open Cost Calculator