Cost of Living in Ruidoso, NM
Population 7,701 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ruidoso is a smaller New Mexico community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,259 and housing costs ($229,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Ruidoso lies roughly 95 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Las Cruces. Housing prices track closely with Las Cruces' $217,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ruidoso
The median home value in Ruidoso is $229,100 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $924/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,259/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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, Ruidoso has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
Ruidoso 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 | 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 Ruidoso, NM?
Ruidoso has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ruidoso, NM?
The median gross rent in Ruidoso is $924 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ruidoso?
The median home value in Ruidoso is $229,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ruidoso?
The median household income in Ruidoso is $50,259 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ruidoso, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ruidoso is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Ruidoso, NM affordable?
Yes, Ruidoso 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 Ruidoso?
Ruidoso 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.
Ruidoso at a Glance
- Population
- 7,701
- Median Income
- $50,259
- Home Value
- $229,100
- Median Rent
- $924/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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