Cost of Living in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rio Arriba County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rio Arriba County ranks #538 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
Rio Arriba County leads state affordability
Rio Arriba County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in New Mexico and approaches national affordability benchmarks, despite median incomes of $53,901 remaining 28% below the U.S. $74,755. At $760 monthly rent, Rio Arriba residents enjoy the best rent affordability in the state.
Second most affordable statewide
Rio Arriba County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in New Mexico after Mora County's 18.8%, making it a premier affordability destination. The combination of low rents and relatively stable incomes creates exceptional housing accessibility for renters.
Balanced pricing in northern cluster
Rio Arriba County's $760 rent sits between rural peers like Quay ($752) and Mora ($785), with competitive pricing matched by strong affordability fundamentals. San Juan County to the northwest commands higher rents at $917, while Mora offers comparable value with slightly higher rents.
Most balanced housing costs in state
Rio Arriba County renters pay $760 monthly while homeowners spend $497—both notably low figures relative to median income of $53,901. Renters dedicate 16.9% of gross income to housing while homeowners spend roughly 11.1%, the best affordability profile among these eight counties.
Best value in New Mexico rural markets
Rio Arriba County delivers the state's most affordable rents and exceptional homeownership costs, with median home values of $230,900 reflecting strong regional character. Relocators seeking cost-of-living relief will find Rio Arriba among New Mexico's most livable rural counties, balancing affordability with community stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rio Arriba County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Rio Arriba County is affordable. The median rent is $760/month against a median household income of $53,901, putting rent at 16.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Rio Arriba County is $760/month, while owner costs run $497/month. Owning saves approximately $263/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,300/year. With a median household income of $53,901, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Rio Arriba County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Mexico, Rio Arriba County is more affordable than Colfax County by roughly 8% ($760/mo vs $704/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rio Arriba County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,258
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.1%
of gross income
The median home in Rio Arriba County may be a stretch
Median home value is $230,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,843 vs. your max of $1,258.
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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