Cost of Living in El Cerro, NM
Population 3,093 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
El Cerro's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of New Mexico. Median household incomes of $112,174 run at or above national figures despite the small population — a direct signal of the wage premium that mining, oil, and gas employers pay. Home values of $292,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable.
Geographically, El Cerro sits roughly 25 miles south of Albuquerque. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Albuquerque's $267,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in El Cerro
The median home value in El Cerro is $291,800 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,045/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,174/year is 50% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below 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, El Cerro has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
El Cerro 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in El Cerro, NM?
El Cerro has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in El Cerro, NM?
The median gross rent in El Cerro is $1,045 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in El Cerro?
The median home value in El Cerro is $291,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in El Cerro?
The median household income in El Cerro is $112,174 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in El Cerro, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in El Cerro is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is El Cerro, NM affordable?
Yes, El Cerro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in El Cerro?
El Cerro 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.
El Cerro at a Glance
- Population
- 3,093
- Median Income
- $112,174
- Home Value
- $291,800
- Median Rent
- $1,045/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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