Cost of Living in Rio Rancho, NM
Population 106,533 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rio Rancho lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $273,000 — 10% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in New Mexico.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rio Rancho
The median home value in Rio Rancho is $273,300 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,481/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,755/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 99 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% 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 | 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM?
Rio Rancho has a cost index of 99 (100 = national average). It is 1% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rio Rancho, NM?
The median gross rent in Rio Rancho is $1,481 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rio Rancho?
The median home value in Rio Rancho is $273,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rio Rancho?
The median household income in Rio Rancho is $85,755 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rio Rancho, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rio Rancho is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Rio Rancho, NM affordable?
Rio Rancho is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 99 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho 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.
Rio Rancho at a Glance
- Population
- 106,533
- Median Income
- $85,755
- Home Value
- $273,300
- Median Rent
- $1,481/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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