A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
10%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bernalillo New Mexico National
Cost of living9594100
Groceries10098100
Health care9998100
Housing9085100
Transportation9798100
Utilities9997100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9396100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare9096100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bernalillo, NM

The cost of living in Bernalillo affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Bernalillo is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Bernalillo is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Bernalillo Affordable?

Is Bernalillo affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Bernalillo, the median home price is 7.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 16.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Bernalillo boasting a median household income of $75,686, 6.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bernalillo?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Bernalillo comes in at 1.3% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Bernalillo, the groceries index registers 0.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Bernalillo starts at 5% and the income tax rates start at 1.7%.

Where is the Data From?

The Bernalillo cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bernalillo is 1% higher than the New Mexico average
  • The cost of living in Bernalillo is 5% lower than the national average
  • Bernalillo housing is 10% lower than the national average
  • New Mexico general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • New Mexico state income tax is 35% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bernalillo

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Compare Bernalillo, NM Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$89,514$7,460$2,089$2,686
      Renters$41,380$3,448$965$1,242
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Bernalillo, NM, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Bernalillo, the median monthly income is $89,514 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,089 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $41,380, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $965 on monthly rental expenses.

      New Mexico Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New Mexico 5% 8.688%

      New Mexico Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New Mexico 1.7% 5.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      San Antonito CDP (Socorro County), NM34982.3%
      Placitas CDP (Doña Ana County), NM7507822.0%
      Zia Pueblo, NM8768019.9%
      Monterey Park, NM1,1358515.0%
      Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM2,3638812.2%
      Bernalillo, NM10,437955.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Elizabethtown-Kitley, ON10,437n/a 
      Ponoka County, AB10,437n/a 
      Fairmont, MN10,438928.2%
      Whitecourt, AB10,433n/a 
      Shasta Lake, CA10,44311616.2%
      Bernalillo, NM10,437955.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.