Kirtland AFB, NM vs Ruidoso, NM

The cost of living difference between Kirtland AFB, NM and Ruidoso, NM is dramatic. Ruidoso is 41.7% cheaper than Kirtland AFB, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kirtland AFB has a cost index of 112 while Ruidoso sits at 79, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

Renters will find that Kirtland AFB has a median rent of $1,788/month while Ruidoso comes in at $924/month, a 94% difference.

Median household income in Kirtland AFB is $79,301 compared to $50,259 in Ruidoso (+57.8%). While Kirtland AFB is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kirtland AFB spend roughly 27.1% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in Ruidoso.