Cost of Living in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bernalillo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bernalillo County ranks #3,096 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Bernalillo's rent burden slightly above national norms
Renters in Bernalillo County spend 19.6% of their income on rent, just slightly above the national benchmark of roughly 19%. While the county's median household income of $66,514 trails the national average of $74,755 by 11%, housing costs remain relatively stable for a mid-sized metro area.
Highest-earning county leads state in affordability
Bernalillo ranks as one of New Mexico's most affordable counties despite having the state's strongest median household income at $66,514. With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% matching the state average of 19.4%, residents here benefit from both higher wages and competitive housing costs.
Albuquerque rents top most of rural New Mexico
Bernalillo's median rent of $1,087 significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Cibola County ($724) and Colfax County ($704), reflecting Albuquerque's status as the state's largest metro. However, renters pay the cost for proximity to jobs and services—Bernalillo's median home value of $268,500 is also highest among peer counties.
Where your dollar goes in Bernalillo
Bernalillo renters allocate $1,087 monthly while homeowners spend $1,192—a modest 9% premium for ownership. With median household income at $66,514 annually, housing consumes roughly one-fifth of most residents' paychecks regardless of tenure.
Consider Bernalillo for metro access and stability
If urban job markets and cultural amenities matter more than ultra-low costs, Bernalillo offers reasonable housing burdens paired with the state's strongest income potential. Compare this against smaller rural counties if your priority is minimizing housing expenses in a quieter setting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bernalillo County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bernalillo County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,087/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bernalillo County pay $1,087/month on average, compared to $1,192/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,086/year. With a median household income of $66,514, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Bernalillo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Eddy County where rent averages $1,183/month, Bernalillo County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bernalillo County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,552
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.5%
of gross income
The median home in Bernalillo County may be a stretch
Median home value is $268,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,144 vs. your max of $1,552.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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