Cost of Living in Clayton, NM

With a cost of living index of 61, Clayton, NM is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 39% cheaper than the national average and 26% below the New Mexico state average of 86. Clayton is a small community of 2,680 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Clayton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $637 (52% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $111,500 (63% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Clayton is $40,192, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.