Cost of Living in Meadow Lake, NM
Population 3,959 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $38,872, median household incomes in Meadow Lake land roughly 48% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 30% 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 20 miles south of Albuquerque, Meadow Lake falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 69% lower than Albuquerque's $267,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Meadow Lake
The median home value in Meadow Lake is $83,500 — 73% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $783/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,872/year is 48% 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 70.3°F and lows of 45.5°F, with about 7.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Meadow Lake has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
Meadow Lake 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 Meadow Lake, NM?
Meadow Lake has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Meadow Lake, NM?
The median gross rent in Meadow Lake is $783 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Meadow Lake?
The median home value in Meadow Lake is $83,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Meadow Lake?
The median household income in Meadow Lake is $38,872 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Meadow Lake, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Meadow Lake is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Meadow Lake, NM affordable?
Yes, Meadow Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Meadow Lake?
Meadow Lake 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.
Meadow Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 3,959
- Median Income
- $38,872
- Home Value
- $83,500
- Median Rent
- $783/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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New Mexico Rankings
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