Cost of living in Otero County, NM
Population 68,235 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Otero County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Otero County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Otero County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Otero County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Otero 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 Otero 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 Otero County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Otero County
What it costs to live in Otero County each month.
- Rent $761
- Energy $130
- Water $60
- Groceries $326
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $371
- State tax $110
- Rent $933
- Energy $156
- Water $70
- Groceries $540
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $533
- State tax $192
- Rent $1,307
- Energy $195
- Water $85
- Groceries $820
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $533
- State tax $192
Frequently asked questions about Otero County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Otero County?
In Otero County, NM, a one-bedroom apartment averages $761 per month, a two-bedroom averages $933 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,307 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Otero County?
In Otero County, NM, the average household income is $52,717 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $32,730 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Otero County?
The estimated cost of living in Otero County, NM is approximately $2,558 per month for a single person, $3,708 for a couple, $6,202 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Otero County?
The combined sales tax rate in Otero County, NM is 7.72%, which includes the New Mexico state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 2.72%.
Is Otero County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Otero County, NM would need approximately $2,558 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $52,717 per year ($4,393 per month). Otero County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Otero County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Otero County, NM is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 9.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Otero County?
The average home value in Otero County, NM is $149,500, with average annual property taxes of $841, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Otero County compare to other areas?
You can compare Otero County, NM with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Otero County is in the Alamogordo, 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