Cost of Living in South Valley, NM
Population 36,605 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of South Valley's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $51,062 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, South Valley sits roughly 7 miles south of Albuquerque. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Albuquerque's $267,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Valley
The median home value in South Valley is $205,200 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $942/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,062/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 70.3°F and lows of 45.5°F, with about 7.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, South Valley has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Valley, NM?
South Valley has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Valley, NM?
The median gross rent in South Valley is $942 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Valley?
The median home value in South Valley is $205,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in South Valley?
The median household income in South Valley is $51,062 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Valley, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Valley is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is South Valley, NM affordable?
Yes, South Valley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in South Valley?
South Valley 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.
South Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 36,605
- Median Income
- $51,062
- Home Value
- $205,200
- Median Rent
- $942/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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