Belen, NM vs Portales, NM

Belen, NM and Portales, NM have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Belen scores 72 while Portales scores 69 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Belen is $877/month compared to $870/month in Portales — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portales is more affordable at $132,900 median vs $154,600.

Median household income in Belen is $40,354 compared to $51,290 in Portales (-21.3%). Portales offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Belen spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, more than the 20.4% in Portales.