Cost of Living in Ruidoso, NM

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A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
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 Ruidoso New Mexico National
Cost of living9994100
Groceries9698100
Health care9998100
Housing10385100
Transportation10098100
Utilities9897100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10096100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9496100
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Homes For Sale In Ruidoso, NM

property for sale

419 Barcus Rd

Ruidoso, NM
property for sale

324 Davis Ct

Ruidoso, NM
property for sale

108 Maple Dr #1

Ruidoso, NM
property for sale

220 Lookout Dr Unit F1

Ruidoso, NM

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ruidoso is 6% higher than the New Mexico average
  • The cost of living in Ruidoso is 1% lower than the national average
  • Ruidoso housing is 3% higher 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 Ruidoso

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      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$96,852$8,071$2,260$2,906
      Renters$28,592$2,383$667$858
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Ruidoso, NM, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Ruidoso have a median income of $96,852. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,260 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $28,592, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $667.

      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.
      Bent, NM155982.0%
      Nogal, NM129982.0%
      Mescalero, NM1,1697920.6%
      Ruidoso Downs, NM2,6838514.7%
      Capitan, NM1,4098910.7%
      Ruidoso, NM8,058990.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sheboygan Falls, WI8,059936.9%
      Altoona, WI8,056991.4%
      Firebaugh, CA8,0601087.7%
      Valley Center, KS8,060955.1%
      Latrobe, PA8,060909.6%
      Ruidoso, NM8,058990.6%
      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.
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