Cost of Living in Los Chaves, NM

Population 4,641 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023

73
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Los Chaves's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of New Mexico. Median household incomes of $81,320 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 $241,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 25 miles south of Albuquerque, Los Chaves falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Albuquerque's $267,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 79
Rent 65

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Los Chaves

The median home value in Los Chaves is $240,500 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $860/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,320/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Los Chaves has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$240,500
21% below avg
Median Rent
$860/mo
35% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$678
1 BR
$790
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,549
Owner-occupied 91.5%
Renter-occupied 8.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$860
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,474/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.0 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.2%
Carpooled
12.3%
Work from home
14.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.9%
Total Sales Tax 7.7%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$81,320
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,525
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
48% below avg
Poverty Rate
25.7%
Labor Force Participation
53.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.8%
Graduate degree 24.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.8
Male median age 46.6
Female median age 48.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.3°F
Avg Low
45.5°F
Annual Precip
8.8"
Annual Snowfall
7.9"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485463708090918983715747
Low °F 263036435262676558463427
Precip" 0.360.430.460.510.440.571.641.311.150.870.570.53
Snow" 1.41.50.70.30.00.00.00.00.00.30.92.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
80.1%
Good air days/yr
87
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
361
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Los Chaves, NM?

Los Chaves has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.

What is average rent in Los Chaves, NM?

The median gross rent in Los Chaves is $860 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Los Chaves?

The median home value in Los Chaves is $240,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Los Chaves?

The median household income in Los Chaves is $81,320 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Los Chaves, NM?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Los Chaves is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.

Is Los Chaves, NM affordable?

Yes, Los Chaves is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Los Chaves?

Los Chaves 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.

Los Chaves at a Glance

Population
4,641
Median Income
$81,320
Home Value
$240,500
Median Rent
$860/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Avg High Temp
70.3°F
Sales Tax
7.7%
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🗺️ County data for New Mexico

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