Cost of Living in Truth or Consequences, NM

Population 6,026 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023

42
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Truth or Consequences's median household income of $29,142 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 (35% here). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Truth or Consequences is about 70 miles northwest of Las Cruces, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than Las Cruces' $217,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 35
Rent 51

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Truth or Consequences

The median home value in Truth or Consequences is $107,500 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $676/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $29,142/year is 61% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.0%, below 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 75.0°F and lows of 48.2°F. Overall, Truth or Consequences has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$107,500
65% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$407,056
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$676/mo
49% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$678
1 BR
$790
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,549
Owner-occupied 54.5%
Renter-occupied 45.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$676
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,290/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
12.0 min
56% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.8%
Carpooled
7.3%
Walked
4.5%
Work from home
3.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.9%
Total Sales Tax 7.7%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 2.7%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$29,142
61% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,293
Unemployment Rate
1.0%
79% below avg
Poverty Rate
34.8%
Labor Force Participation
42.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.8%
Graduate degree 7.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.7
Male median age 42.3
Female median age 43.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.0°F
Avg Low
48.2°F
Annual Precip
9.2"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 556168768594939185766354
Low °F 303440475664686660493730
Precip" 0.450.300.240.270.550.411.631.761.700.730.510.60

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Truth or Consequences, NM?

Truth or Consequences has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.

What is average rent in Truth or Consequences, NM?

The median gross rent in Truth or Consequences is $676 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Truth or Consequences?

The median home value in Truth or Consequences is $107,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Truth or Consequences?

The median household income in Truth or Consequences is $29,142 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Truth or Consequences, NM?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Truth or Consequences is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.

Is Truth or Consequences, NM affordable?

Yes, Truth or Consequences is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Truth or Consequences?

Truth or Consequences has average high temperatures of 75.0°F and average lows of 48.2°F. Annual precipitation is 9.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Truth or Consequences at a Glance

Population
6,026
Median Income
$29,142
Home Value
$107,500
Median Rent
$676/mo
Unemployment
1.0%
Avg High Temp
75.0°F
Sales Tax
7.7%
View all cities in New Mexico →
🗺️ County data for New Mexico

Explore county-level cost of living data

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