Performance
Score Breakdown
Kansas City
Las Cruces
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Las Cruces is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Kansas City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kansas City's average rent is
15% higher than Las Cruces's.
| Metric | Kansas City | Las Cruces | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,231 | $1,068 | +15% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $198 | -9% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,231 | $1,986 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 91 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kansas City offers 48% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kansas City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kansas City is estimated at
$50,000 vs $64,000 in Las Cruces.
| Metric | Kansas City | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $52,790 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $64,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 87,640 idx | 58,011 idx |
| Household Income | $56,120 | $55,422 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kansas City | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 68.00% | 4.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 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 | Kansas City | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 34.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kansas City is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Las Cruces.
From a growth perspective, Las Cruces is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Kansas City | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 155,438 | 116,998 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.99% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 33.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kansas City
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing, groceries, and healthcare generally below national averages.
Strong job market with diverse opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Home to nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including The University of Kansas Hospital, consistently ranked as a top hospital.
Vibrant cultural scene, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue.
Relatively quick commute times compared to other major urban areas.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency.
Unpredictable weather with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and a risk of tornadoes.
Lower walkability score compared to more pedestrian-friendly cities.
Certain areas experience higher violent crime rates, which can be a concern for residents.
The city is landlocked, lacking easy access to beaches or mountains.
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.
Kansas City
#21Kansas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,231
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
75
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
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