Cost of Living in Bernalillo, NM
Population 9,068 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bernalillo sits on the smaller end of the New Mexico city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Bernalillo sits roughly 8 miles east of Rio Rancho. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bernalillo
The median home value in Bernalillo is $237,100 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,061/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,624/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Mexico's top state income tax rate is 5.9% and the combined sales tax is 7.7%. The climate averages highs of 70.3°F and lows of 45.5°F, with about 7.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bernalillo has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.
Bernalillo has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 54 | 63 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 71 | 57 | 47 |
| Low °F | 26 | 30 | 36 | 43 | 52 | 62 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 0.36 | 0.43 | 0.46 | 0.51 | 0.44 | 0.57 | 1.64 | 1.31 | 1.15 | 0.87 | 0.57 | 0.53 |
| Snow" | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 2.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bernalillo, NM?
Bernalillo has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bernalillo, NM?
The median gross rent in Bernalillo is $1,061 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bernalillo?
The median home value in Bernalillo is $237,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bernalillo?
The median household income in Bernalillo is $61,624 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bernalillo, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bernalillo is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Bernalillo, NM affordable?
Yes, Bernalillo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bernalillo?
Bernalillo has average high temperatures of 70.3°F and average lows of 45.5°F. Annual precipitation is 8.8". Average annual snowfall is 7.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bernalillo at a Glance
- Population
- 9,068
- Median Income
- $61,624
- Home Value
- $237,100
- Median Rent
- $1,061/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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New Mexico Rankings
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