Cost of Living in Cibola County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cibola County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cibola County ranks #1,298 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cibola County, New Mexico
Cibola's housing burden ranks among nation's lowest
Cibola County residents spend just 16.8% of income on rent—well below the national benchmark of roughly 19%—despite earning $51,765 annually. This remote northwestern county delivers genuine housing affordability, with median rent at just $724 monthly.
State's most affordable housing burden overall
Cibola's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks it as New Mexico's most housing-affordable county, beating the state average of 19.4% by 2.6 percentage points. At $724 median rent—17% below the state mean—Cibola offers exceptional cost relief for lower-income households.
Cibola competes with Catron for state's cheapest rents
Cibola's $724 median rent nearly matches Catron County's $740, making this western region home to New Mexico's most budget-friendly rental markets. Both counties serve remote, stable populations prioritizing minimal housing expense over proximity to metros.
Ownership costs far below rental market in Cibola
Cibola homeowners pay just $450 monthly—38% less than renters at $724—a dramatic gap reflecting the county's older, lower-value housing stock with median home value of $120,000. For households earning $51,765 annually, housing costs consume roughly 17% of income whether renting or owning.
Cibola rewards those seeking absolute housing minimums
If lowest possible housing costs matter most, Cibola delivers the state's best rent-to-income ratio and some of America's cheapest rents. The county suits retirees, remote workers, and those with minimal service needs seeking maximum housing savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cibola County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cibola County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $724/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cibola County pay $724/month on average, compared to $450/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 38%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,286/year. With a median household income of $51,765, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Cibola County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Mexico, Cibola County is less affordable than Mora County by roughly 8% ($724/mo vs $785/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cibola County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,208
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cibola County
Median home value is $120,000. Estimated monthly cost: $958 vs. your max of $1,208.
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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