A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
45%
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 Chaparral New Mexico National
Cost of living8894100
Groceries10098100
Health care10298100
Housing5585100
Transportation10498100
Utilities10697100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10096100
Household Items10298100
Education & Childcare10196100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Chaparral, NM

Understanding the cost of living in Chaparral can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Chaparral cost of living index is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Chaparral distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 45.1% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Chaparral can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Chaparral Affordable?

Is Chaparral an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Chaparral is 54.2% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 23.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Chaparral has a median household income of $45,796, which is 43.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chaparral?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Chaparral, the housing index comes in at 45.1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Chaparral, the groceries index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Chaparral cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chaparral is 6% lower than the New Mexico average
  • The cost of living in Chaparral is 12% lower than the national average
  • Chaparral housing is 45% 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 Chaparral

See all the best places to live around Chaparral

Compare Chaparral, 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$45,359$3,780$1,058$1,361
      Renters$46,243$3,854$1,079$1,387
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Chaparral, NM, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Chaparral, homeowners have a median income of $45,359. Using that number, a maximum of $1,058 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $46,243, which means there is a maximum of $1,079 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Berino, NM1,7728317.5%
      La Union, NM9408614.2%
      Anthony, NM9,5298713.0%
      Westway, TX3,4908712.6%
      Canutillo, TX5,1038712.6%
      Chaparral, NM14,1558812.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Allouez, WI14,152964.1%
      Middlesex, NJ14,14912827.7%
      Wood Dale, IL14,14511211.6%
      Moberly, MO14,1438614.2%
      Glenpool, OK14,140936.6%
      Chaparral, NM14,1558812.3%
      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.