Cost of Living in Vaughn, NM

With a cost of living index of 49, Vaughn, NM is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 51% cheaper than the national average and 37% below the New Mexico state average of 86. Vaughn is a small community of 548 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Vaughn's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $438 (67% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $45,800 (85% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Vaughn is $26,300, which is 65% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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.