Cost of Living in Roswell, NM
Population 47,823 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Roswell lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $139,000 — 54% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in New Mexico. A poverty rate near 24% 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.
Geographically, Roswell lies roughly 150 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Las Cruces. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Las Cruces' $217,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Roswell
The median home value in Roswell is $139,200 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $840/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,294/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 77.8°F and lows of 48.5°F, with about 9.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Roswell has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% 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 | 57 | 63 | 71 | 79 | 88 | 96 | 97 | 95 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 28 | 33 | 39 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 61 | 49 | 36 | 28 |
| Precip" | 0.36 | 0.35 | 0.54 | 0.57 | 1.14 | 1.28 | 1.82 | 1.68 | 1.55 | 1.33 | 0.45 | 0.56 |
| Snow" | 2.4 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 3.8 |
💨 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 Roswell, NM?
Roswell has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Roswell, NM?
The median gross rent in Roswell is $840 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Roswell?
The median home value in Roswell is $139,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Roswell?
The median household income in Roswell is $50,294 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Roswell, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Roswell is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Roswell, NM affordable?
Yes, Roswell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Roswell?
Roswell has average high temperatures of 77.8°F and average lows of 48.5°F. Annual precipitation is 11.6". Average annual snowfall is 9.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Roswell at a Glance
- Population
- 47,823
- Median Income
- $50,294
- Home Value
- $139,200
- Median Rent
- $840/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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