Cost of Living in Silver City, NM
Population 9,574 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Silver City's median household income of $39,025 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 (22% here). At 12.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Silver City lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Las Cruces. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Las Cruces' $217,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Silver City
The median home value in Silver City is $160,900 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $851/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,025/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.5%, 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 77.3°F and lows of 45.8°F. Overall, Silver City has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Silver City 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 | 58 | 62 | 70 | 78 | 87 | 96 | 96 | 93 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 27 | 31 | 37 | 43 | 51 | 61 | 67 | 66 | 59 | 47 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 0.47 | 0.62 | 0.30 | 0.21 | 0.15 | 0.55 | 1.91 | 2.01 | 1.15 | 0.75 | 0.50 | 0.72 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Silver City, NM?
Silver City has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Silver City, NM?
The median gross rent in Silver City is $851 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Silver City?
The median home value in Silver City is $160,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Silver City?
The median household income in Silver City is $39,025 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Silver City, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Silver City is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Silver City, NM affordable?
Yes, Silver City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Silver City?
Silver City has average high temperatures of 77.3°F and average lows of 45.8°F. Annual precipitation is 9.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Silver City at a Glance
- Population
- 9,574
- Median Income
- $39,025
- Home Value
- $160,900
- Median Rent
- $851/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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