Skyline of Roswell
Cost of Living: 88 48,000

Roswell, NM, US

UFO capital of the world with the International UFO Museum and a strong aerospace sector.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 90

Affordable

Median Income $48,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.0%

Job market health

Roswell vs US Average

Cost of Living
Roswell: 88
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Roswell: 90
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Roswell: 4.9%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.9%
  • Sales Tax: 8.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $48,000
  • Unemployment: 4.0%
  • Population: 48,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 95°F
  • Winter Low: 28°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $200,000
  • 1BR Rent: $900/mo

Cost of Living

Roswell's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).

CategoryRoswellNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing90100-10.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)$900/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,125/mo
Price per Sq Ft$133

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Roswell:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$6Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$8Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$264Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Roswell

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,080/mo.

Roswell Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $990/mo.

East Roswell

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $810/mo.

West Roswell

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $855/mo.

Remote Work Score

Roswell scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
88
Rent
$900
Sunny Days
280
Tax
4.9%
Unemployment
4.0%
Climate
95°F / 28°F

Climate

Roswell has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January48°F28°F2.5"
April80°F43°F2.8"
July95°F70°F1.5"
October75°F46°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.9%
  • Sales Tax: 8%
  • Property Tax: ~0.75% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Roswell, NM, US?

The cost of living index in Roswell is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Roswell?

The median home price in Roswell is $200,000. The housing index is 90.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Roswell is approximately $900/mo.

Does Roswell, NM have income tax?

Roswell is in NM, which has an income tax rate of 4.9%.

What is the climate like in Roswell?

Roswell enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 28°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.