Cost of Living in Española, NM
Population 10,472 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Española's median household income of $47,664 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 (19% here).
Geographically, Española is about 60 miles northeast of Rio Rancho, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Española
The median home value in Española is $205,100 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $832/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,664/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 66.8°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, Española has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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 | 44 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 76 | 87 | 89 | 86 | 80 | 68 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 20 | 23 | 28 | 34 | 43 | 52 | 58 | 56 | 49 | 38 | 27 | 20 |
| Precip" | 0.45 | 0.35 | 0.66 | 0.53 | 0.63 | 0.55 | 1.82 | 1.96 | 1.34 | 1.22 | 0.70 | 0.50 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Española, NM?
Española has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Española, NM?
The median gross rent in Española is $832 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Española?
The median home value in Española is $205,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Española?
The median household income in Española is $47,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Española, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Española is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Española, NM affordable?
Yes, Española is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Española?
Española has average high temperatures of 66.8°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 10.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Española at a Glance
- Population
- 10,472
- Median Income
- $47,664
- Home Value
- $205,100
- Median Rent
- $832/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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