Cost of Living in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

$760/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$230,900

Median Home Value

13% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$760/mo

13% below state average

Median Home Value

$230,900

18% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

22.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Rio Arriba County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Rio Arriba County$760/mo

New Mexico Average$876/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$760/mo

Median Gross Rent

$230,900

Median Home Value

$497/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

22.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Rio Arriba County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio16.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico?

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico has a median monthly rent of $760/mo and a median home value of $230,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Rio Arriba County?

The median gross rent in Rio Arriba County is $760/mo. This is 13% below state average for New Mexico.

Is Rio Arriba County affordable?

Rio Arriba County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Rio Arriba County's rent compare to the state average?

Rio Arriba County's median rent of $760/mo is 13% below state average of $876/mo for New Mexico.

What is the median home value in Rio Arriba County?

The median home value in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico is $230,900. This is 18% below the national median home value of $281,900.