Cost of Living in Chaparral, NM
Population 16,642 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chaparral's median household income of $46,102 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (29% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Chaparral sits roughly 14 miles north of El Paso — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than El Paso's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chaparral
The median home value in Chaparral is $101,900 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,102/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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 78.6°F and lows of 53.8°F, with about 2.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Chaparral has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 59 | 64 | 72 | 80 | 89 | 97 | 96 | 94 | 88 | 79 | 67 | 58 |
| Low °F | 35 | 39 | 46 | 53 | 62 | 71 | 73 | 72 | 65 | 54 | 42 | 34 |
| Precip" | 0.39 | 0.40 | 0.24 | 0.17 | 0.43 | 0.73 | 1.58 | 1.67 | 1.52 | 0.59 | 0.43 | 0.63 |
| Snow" | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chaparral, NM?
Chaparral has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chaparral, NM?
The median gross rent in Chaparral is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chaparral?
The median home value in Chaparral is $101,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chaparral?
The median household income in Chaparral is $46,102 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chaparral, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chaparral is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Chaparral, NM affordable?
Yes, Chaparral is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Chaparral?
Chaparral has average high temperatures of 78.6°F and average lows of 53.8°F. Annual precipitation is 8.8". Average annual snowfall is 2.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chaparral at a Glance
- Population
- 16,642
- Median Income
- $46,102
- Home Value
- $101,900
- Median Rent
- $874/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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