A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
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 South Valley New Mexico National
Cost of living9394100
Groceries9998100
Health care9798100
Housing8185100
Transportation10098100
Utilities9597100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9396100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9996100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in South Valley, NM

Getting a feel for the cost of living in South Valley is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in South Valley is 93, which is 7% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in South Valley closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, 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?

Is South Valley 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 South Valley is 17.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. South Valley has a median household income of $62,616, which is 23% lower than the national average.

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

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In South Valley, the healthcare costs are 3% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In South Valley, the transportation index stands at 0% equal to the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In South Valley, the housing index stands at 18.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The South Valley 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 South Valley is 1% lower than the New Mexico average
  • The cost of living in South Valley is 7% lower than the national average
  • South Valley housing is 19% 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

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Compare South Valley, NM Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$75,479$6,290$1,761$2,265
      Renters$39,213$3,268$915$1,177
      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 $75,479 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,761 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $39,213, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $915 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.
      Chical, NM209982.3%
      Pajarito Mesa, NM3167624.3%
      Isleta Village Proper, NM5028317.3%
      Meadow Lake, NM4,3788316.8%
      Monterey Park, NM1,1358515.0%
      South Valley, NM40,361937.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Marumsco, VA40,36611313.2%
      Lancaster, TX40,385982.3%
      Lake Oswego, OR40,33516564.7%
      Milton, GA40,38914544.8%
      Duncanville, TX40,3971000.3%
      South Valley, NM40,361937.2%
      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.