Kirtland AFB, NM vs Shiprock, NM

The cost of living difference between Kirtland AFB, NM and Shiprock, NM is dramatic. Shiprock is 87.3% 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 Shiprock sits at 60, 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 Shiprock comes in at $693/month, a 158% difference.

Median household income in Kirtland AFB is $79,301 compared to $41,563 in Shiprock (+90.8%). 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 20% in Shiprock.