Cost of Living in Tucumcari, NM

Population 5,197 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023

34
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Tucumcari run well below national norms — a median of $39,915 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $56,000). Around 31% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Tucumcari lies roughly 105 miles west of the nearest major metro, Amarillo. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Amarillo's $187,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 18
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in Tucumcari

The median home value in Tucumcari is $56,400 — 82% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $751/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,915/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 74.3°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Tucumcari has a cost of living index of 34 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$56,400
82% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$509,168
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$751/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
6.3x
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 67.8%
Renter-occupied 32.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$751
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,365/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
13.6 min
50% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.6%
Carpooled
8.0%
Walked
2.3%
Bicycle
1.6%
Work from home
2.6%

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
$39,915
46% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,081
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% below avg
Poverty Rate
31.2%
Labor Force Participation
56.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.6%
Graduate degree 9.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.9
Male median age 37.9
Female median age 42.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.3°F
Avg Low
43.8°F
Annual Precip
13.3"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 545866748393959386746253
Low °F 242734415161666557443224
Precip" 0.400.360.840.901.401.551.942.211.371.310.550.52

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
949
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Tucumcari, NM?

Tucumcari has a cost index of 34 (100 = national average). It is 66% below the national average.

What is average rent in Tucumcari, NM?

The median gross rent in Tucumcari is $751 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Tucumcari?

The median home value in Tucumcari is $56,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Tucumcari?

The median household income in Tucumcari is $39,915 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Tucumcari, NM?

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

Is Tucumcari, NM affordable?

Yes, Tucumcari is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 34 — about 66% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Tucumcari?

Tucumcari has average high temperatures of 74.3°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 13.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Tucumcari at a Glance

Population
5,197
Median Income
$39,915
Home Value
$56,400
Median Rent
$751/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
74.3°F
Sales Tax
7.7%
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🗺️ County data for New Mexico

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