Cost of Living in La Cienega, NM
Population 3,780 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
La Cienega is a smaller New Mexico community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $68,676 and housing costs ($418,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
La Cienega is about 40 miles northeast of Rio Rancho, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 53% higher than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Cienega
The median home value in La Cienega is $417,900 — 37% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,137/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,676/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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 66.8°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, La Cienega has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.
La Cienega 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 | 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 La Cienega, NM?
La Cienega has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.
What is average rent in La Cienega, NM?
The median gross rent in La Cienega is $1,137 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Cienega?
The median home value in La Cienega is $417,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in La Cienega?
The median household income in La Cienega is $68,676 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Cienega, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Cienega is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is La Cienega, NM affordable?
La Cienega is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in La Cienega?
La Cienega 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.
La Cienega at a Glance
- Population
- 3,780
- Median Income
- $68,676
- Home Value
- $417,900
- Median Rent
- $1,137/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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New Mexico Rankings
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