Cost of Living in Sandia Heights, NM

With a cost of living index of 175, Sandia Heights, NM is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 75% more expensive than the national average and 89% above the New Mexico state average of 86. Sandia Heights is a small community of 3,083 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Sandia Heights's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $3,000 (127% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $623,500 (104% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Sandia Heights is $151,538, which is 102% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Albuquerque, NM (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.