Cost of Living in Gallup, NM
Population 21,333 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Gallup 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. A poverty rate near 28% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 115 miles west of Rio Rancho, Gallup is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gallup
The median home value in Gallup is $134,600 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $858/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,466/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 67.1°F and lows of 31.9°F, with about 33.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Gallup has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% 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 | 45 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 75 | 86 | 89 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 56 | 45 |
| Low °F | 14 | 19 | 23 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 53 | 44 | 31 | 20 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.81 | 0.71 | 0.62 | 0.46 | 0.57 | 0.36 | 1.63 | 1.92 | 1.27 | 0.92 | 0.70 | 0.73 |
| Snow" | 6.3 | 5.9 | 4.4 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 7.8 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gallup, NM?
Gallup has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gallup, NM?
The median gross rent in Gallup is $858 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gallup?
The median home value in Gallup is $134,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gallup?
The median household income in Gallup is $57,466 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gallup, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gallup is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Gallup, NM affordable?
Yes, Gallup is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Gallup?
Gallup has average high temperatures of 67.1°F and average lows of 31.9°F. Annual precipitation is 10.7". Average annual snowfall is 33.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Gallup at a Glance
- Population
- 21,333
- Median Income
- $57,466
- Home Value
- $134,600
- Median Rent
- $858/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs