A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index South Valley New Mexico National
Cost of living9393100
Goods & Services10097100
Groceries9797100
Health care9697100
Housing8286100
Transportation9395100
Utilities9990100

An Overview of Cost of Living in South Valley, NM

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in South Valley? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in South Valley stands at 93, making it 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in South Valley closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of South Valley can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is South Valley Affordable?

Wondering if South Valley is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In South Valley, for example, the median home price is 16.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 21.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with South Valley boasting a median household income of $41,537, which is 24.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in South Valley?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In South Valley, the utilities index stands at 1.1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In South Valley, the groceries index is 2.6% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in South Valley displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in South Valley is equal to the New Mexico average
  • The cost of living in South Valley is 7% lower than the national average
  • South Valley housing is 18% 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 South Valley

See all the best places to live around South Valley

Compare South Valley, NM Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$49,792$4,149$1,162$1,494
      Renters$26,227$2,186$612$787
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in South Valley, 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 South Valley, the median monthly income is $49,792 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,162 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $26,227, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $612 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item South Valley National avg. Difference
      Haircut $31.90$24.2631.5%
      Beauty Salon $50.83$45.5611.6%
      Toothpaste $3.62$3.702.3%
      Shampoo $1.15$1.2810.5%
      Movie $12.54$12.133.3%
      Bowling $20.89$18.0016.1%

      Groceries

      Item South Valley National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.11$5.8412.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.32$1.5716.1%
      Milk $4.63$4.671.0%
      Potatoes $4.18$4.9315.3%
      Pizza $13.42$12.0911.0%
      Beer $11.07$10.416.4%

      Health Care

      Item South Valley National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $136.89$125.688.9%
      Doctor $134.17$135.781.2%
      Dentist $111.42$113.291.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.43$10.652.1%
      Lipitor $380.06$468.6018.9%

      Housing

      Item South Valley National avg. Difference
      Home Price $153,400.00$184,700.0016.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,905.97$2,346.6918.8%
      Apartment Rent $743.00$949.0021.7%

      Transportation

      Item South Valley National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.50$3.461.1%
      Tire Balancing $43.87$59.9226.8%

      Utilities

      Item South Valley National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $191.24$193.991.4%
      Phone $190.51$192.250.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Chical, NM205982.1%
      Pajarito Mesa, NM3107624.3%
      Isleta Village Proper, NM4898317.2%
      Meadow Lake, NM4,2668316.6%
      Monterey Park, NM1,0978614.2%
      South Valley, NM39,150937.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Norwich, CT39,1121044.5%
      Germantown, TN39,19611716.5%
      Northglenn, CO39,20112120.6%
      Duncanville, TX39,0961033.5%
      Port Moody, BC39,217n/a 
      South Valley, NM39,150937.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.