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Cost of Living in Bernalillo County

Is it better to rent or buy in Bernalillo County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$76,288
$1,344/mo

Median in area: $1,344

$302,543

Median in area: $302,543

$60,509

If you Rent

🔑
$1,483 /mo
Base Rent$1,344
Est. Utilities$139
% of Income23.3%
Pre-tax Residual$4,874

If you Buy

🏠
$2,074 /mo
P&I (7.004%)$1,611
Taxes & Ins$324
Est. Utilities$139
% of Income32.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,283

Compare Nearby Areas

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Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Bernalillo County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Bernalillo County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,483, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,074 per month (a difference of $591).

How much do utilities cost in Bernalillo County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Bernalillo County is approximately $139. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Bernalillo County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Bernalillo County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $59,320 per year.