Cost of living in Lea County, NM
Population 73,154 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Lea County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Lea County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Lea County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Lea County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Lea County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Lea County
State and local tax rates for New Mexico.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Lea County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Lea County
What it costs to live in Lea County each month.
- Rent $862
- Energy $130
- Water $60
- Groceries $326
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $488
- State tax $140
- Rent $1,131
- Energy $156
- Water $70
- Groceries $540
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $795
- State tax $257
- Rent $1,397
- Energy $195
- Water $85
- Groceries $820
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $795
- State tax $257
Frequently asked questions about Lea County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Lea County?
In Lea County, NM, a one-bedroom apartment averages $862 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,131 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,397 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Lea County?
In Lea County, NM, the average household income is $68,750 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,893 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Lea County?
The estimated cost of living in Lea County, NM is approximately $2,806 per month for a single person, $4,233 for a couple, $6,619 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Lea County?
The combined sales tax rate in Lea County, NM is 7.72%, which includes the New Mexico state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 2.72%.
Is Lea County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Lea County, NM would need approximately $2,806 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $68,750 per year ($5,729 per month). Lea County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Lea County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Lea County, NM is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 14.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Lea County?
The average home value in Lea County, NM is $176,000, with average annual property taxes of $824, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Lea County compare to other areas?
You can compare Lea County, NM with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Lea County is in the Hobbs, NM metro area.
Other counties in New Mexico
Browse the full list of counties in New Mexico, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP