Cost of Living in Rio Communities, NM

Population 4,924 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Rio Communities's median household income of $46,223 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 (15% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 14.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 30 miles south of Albuquerque, Rio Communities falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Albuquerque's $267,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 66
Rent 66

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

About the Cost of Living in Rio Communities

The median home value in Rio Communities is $200,000 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $870/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,223/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.3%, 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 73.1°F and lows of 43.3°F. Overall, Rio Communities has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$200,000
34% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$340,966
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$870/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
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 81.3%
Renter-occupied 18.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$870
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,484/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
26.7 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.5%
Carpooled
9.5%
Work from home
9.9%

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
$46,223
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,298
Unemployment Rate
14.3%
198% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.1%
Labor Force Participation
42.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.4%
Graduate degree 4.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49
Male median age 48.7
Female median age 53.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.1°F
Avg Low
43.3°F
Annual Precip
8.6"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515766748394949184746050
Low °F 222735425160656356433123
Precip" 0.420.440.390.370.380.491.881.051.021.020.430.66

💨 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 Rio Communities, NM?

Rio Communities has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rio Communities, NM?

The median gross rent in Rio Communities is $870 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rio Communities?

The median home value in Rio Communities is $200,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rio Communities?

The median household income in Rio Communities is $46,223 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rio Communities, NM?

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

Is Rio Communities, NM affordable?

Yes, Rio Communities 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 Rio Communities?

Rio Communities has average high temperatures of 73.1°F and average lows of 43.3°F. Annual precipitation is 8.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rio Communities at a Glance

Population
4,924
Median Income
$46,223
Home Value
$200,000
Median Rent
$870/mo
Unemployment
14.3%
Avg High Temp
73.1°F
Sales Tax
7.7%
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🗺️ County data for New Mexico

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