Is Denver, CO cheaper than Rio Rancho, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 20.0% more expensive than Rio Rancho, NM. This translates to spending an extra $1503 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Rio Rancho, NM?

If you earn $150,000 in Rio Rancho, NM, you'd need approximately $168,033.389 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rio Rancho, NM and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 63.6% more expensive than in Rio Rancho, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,435/month in Rio Rancho, NM.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1503 more per month than Rio Rancho, NM, or $18033 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rio Rancho, NM vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rio Rancho, NM — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Albuquerque, NM area

Current salary in Rio Rancho, NM

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.0K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Albuquerque, NM area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,503

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Rio Rancho, NM

Population:111K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$342K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:120

Median Home:$513K

Rio Rancho, NM

The Land of Enchantment

111K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Mexico, this city has a population of 111K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rio Rancho, NM vs Denver, CO

Category	Rio Rancho, NM	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,985/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,263more	63.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,291/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $170more	13.2%
📦Other	$1,663/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $111more	6.7%
🏥Healthcare	$535/mo	$632/mo	↑ $96.47more	18.0%
🛒Groceries	$942/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $87.07more	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$494/mo	$519/mo	↑ $25.37more	5.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 63.6%

Rio Rancho, NM

$1,985

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,263

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.2%

Rio Rancho, NM

$1,291

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$170

📦Other

↑ 6.7%

Rio Rancho, NM

$1,663

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$111

🏥Healthcare

↑ 18.0%

Rio Rancho, NM

$535

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$96.47

🛒Groceries

↑ 9.2%

Rio Rancho, NM

$942

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$87.07

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.1%

Rio Rancho, NM

$494

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$25.37

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Rio Rancho, NM has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$992

To$1,720

↑ $728

1 Bed

From$1,164

To$1,840

↑ $676

2 Bed

From$1,435

To$2,190

↑ $755

3 Bed

From$1,992

To$2,870

↑ $878

Rio Rancho, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,420–$1,420/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,911

Monthly in Rio Rancho, NM

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,754

Difference

Home Values

Rio Rancho

Denver

$342K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$342K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 50% more expensive than Rio Rancho

Calculate payment - Rio Rancho Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $471

Per year

Monthly Difference

$39.21

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Rio Rancho, NM

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Mexico State Tax

Effective: 4.7%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,826/month

$105.9K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Rio Rancho, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.