The best places to live in New Mexico aren’t always the cheapest. So we’ve rounded up the cheapest places to live in New Mexico that are also pretty awesome. Although cost is usually a determining factor when deciding where to live, there are other things to consider as well. Moving somewhere affordable isn’t a good decision if you wind up hating it. One must determine if a place is compatible for them even if it’s one of the most affordable places to live in New Mexico. It all depends on your priorities. AreaVibes scores towns and cities on a livability scale. We’ve looked at places with good cost of living grades and high livability scores, then ranked them according to the other amenities they offer. So check out the cheapest and safest places to live in New Mexico!

1. Las Cruces
Las Cruces, NM, USA
Wikimedia Commons/David Herrera
Las Cruces receives an A+ from AreaVibes for cost of living and gets an overall livability score of 80/100. This city of approximately 97,000 people offers plenty of amenities and has mild winters. The nearby Organ Mountains provide ample space for outdoor activities in a gorgeous setting. While the cost of groceries is a little higher than the national average here, housing and healthcare costs are notably lower. Learn more about one of the most affordable New Mexico towns, and check it out yourself!

Get an overview of Las Cruces:

2. Alamogordo
Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Willjay
Living in Alamogordo also provides access to good amenities. The city’s livability and cost of living stats are identical to those of Las Cruces. However, healthcare, grocery, and transportation costs are all a smidge higher, which is why this city of 30,403 people just missed out on the number one spot. Add Alamogordo to your bucket list, and read about the unique discovery there.
3. Ruidoso
Ruidoso, NM, USA
Flickr/Beatnik Photos
Ruidoso has a livability score of 80/100 and an A for cost of living. The town’s 8029 residents are close to the beautiful Lincoln National Forest. Despite its small size, the unemployment rate is 4.80%, which is significantly lower than the national average. Learn more about why Ruidoso is one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
4. Pojoaque
Pojoaque, NM 87506, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Harrison Frazier
Pojoaque, along with the next four entries on this list all received an A+ for cost of living and got a livability score of 78/100. Pojoaque (population 1907) edged ahead because of the employment opportunities available. The unemployment rate is only 4.60%, which is well below the national average. This can probably be attributed to the town’s proximity to Santa Fe. Unfortunately, housing prices do reflect that and rent is a bit higher than the New Mexico average. When you're visiting, be sure to check out this great restaurant in Pojoaque.
5. Silver City
Flickr/dedhed1950
Silver City has a population of 10,315 people who doubtless appreciate their easy access to the Gila Wilderness and the city’s historic yet artsy vibe. The unemployment rate is a bit lower than the national average, as is the cost of living. Read more about one of the cheapest places to live in New Mexico, and then add it to your list of places to check out!

Take a drive around Silver City:

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6. Portales
Portales, NM 88130, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Beatrice Murch
With a sign like this one, who wouldn’t want to be the 12,001st resident of this city in Eastern New Mexico?

The unemployment rate here is only 4% and housing is extremely affordable. It’s also only a 30-minute drive to the larger city of Clovis. Check it out today, and be sure to visit this lovely park in Portales.
7. Tularosa
Tularosa, NM 88352, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Allen S
Tularosa is a charming town of 2842 people. While the cost of living is just below the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places, housing prices are only 56. Remember, the national average is 100. Now, that’s a serious bargain. Tularosa is not only one of the most affordable New Mexico towns, but it is also one of the friendliest towns in New Mexico.
8. Magdalena
Magdalena, NM 87825, USA
Flickr/Don Barrett
A select 938 people make their home in Magdalena. This town has a fairly low crime rate and a pleasant climate. However, other places with matching AreaVibes scores beat this town because – even though unemployment is currently still low - available jobs are declining. When visiting, be sure to check out this old-time cafe in Magdalena.

Enjoy this tour of lovely Magdalena:

9. Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Edward Jackson
According to AreaVibes, Cloudcroft earns a 78 for overall livability and an A for cost of living. Positive job growth and lower-than-average unemployment make it a good choice for anyone seeking a slower pace of life – the population is 674. As an added bonus the town earns an A for weather. Learn more about this great mountain town in New Mexico.
10. Mayhill
Mayhill, NM 88339, USA
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
A scant 75 people call Mayhill home. The village has a great livability score of 83 and an A for cost of living. If you don’t mind trading in some amenities, it could be a good option, especially for retired people or telecommuters. Be sure to check out this great hike in Mayhill when you visit.

Have you spent time in any of these cheapest places to live in New Mexico? Would you add any other towns or cities to this list? Let us know in the comments. If the community is the main thing for you, check out the friendliest towns in New Mexico. You could visit many of them in a single day on a road trip! Just make sure to bring along some road trip essentials.

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More to Explore

cheapest places to live in New Mexico

Jessica Bohl | July 14, 2022

What are some peaceful towns in New Mexico?

Some peaceful towns in New Mexico include:

  • Pecos
  • Glenwood

 

There are some beautiful and peaceful towns in New Mexico that would be great to call home. If you would enjoy a quiet, but historic town, check out Pecos with a population of 1392. Or, for a tiny town of 143, but with hot springs and amazing stargazing, put Glenwood on your list.

What are some of the best places to raise a family in New Mexico?

Some of the best places to raise a family in New Mexico include:

  • Clovis
  • Rio Rancho

 

There are some wonderful places to raise a family in New Mexico.  For a city with a low cost of living, but fabulous kid-friendly amenities such as a zoo, be sure to check out Clovis. Or, if you want close access to Albuquerque, but affordable housing and good public schools, put Rio Rancho on your list.

What are the safest places to live in New Mexico?

The safest places to live in New Mexico include:

  • Corrales
  • Questa

 

If you are interested in the safest places to live in New Mexico, be sure to check out Corrales, with a population of 8374. Another safe town is Questa, with a population of 1767. So put these towns on your list and check them out!

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