Chaparral, NM vs Ruidoso, NM

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chaparral is 16.1% cheaper than Ruidoso. With a cost index of 66 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chaparral to Ruidoso should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chaparral is $874/month compared to $924/month in Ruidoso — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chaparral is more affordable at $101,900 median vs $229,100.

Median household income in Chaparral is $46,102 compared to $50,259 in Ruidoso (-8.3%). The higher salaries in Ruidoso partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chaparral spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in Ruidoso.