New Mexico · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Torrance County, NM

The median household in Torrance County, NM earns $57,842 a year ($4,820/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,464/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $58,560 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 4.5% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$57,842$4,820 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,464HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)95.5-4.5% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential NM
Census Population15,490Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Torrance County, NM

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,464Monthly market rent
Share of gross income30.4%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$58,560To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,446At 30% of $57,842
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Torrance County, NM

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Albuquerque, NM MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Torrance County, NM
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,009$12,108$40,36020.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,185$14,220$47,40024.6%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,464$17,568$58,56030.4%
3-Bedroom Home$2,036$24,432$81,44042.2%
4-Bedroom Home$2,399$28,788$95,96049.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Torrance County, NM →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Torrance County, NM

Based on the local median household income of $57,842/year ($4,820/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,410/moRent ($1,464 2-BR), utilities (~$136/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,446/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 95.5 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$964/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New Mexico

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New Mexico state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$57,842
$20,000$120,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$57,842
Net 81%
Fed 8%
NM 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$47,087After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,924Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,811Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,761 / yr
New Mexico state income tax$1,569 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,425 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across New Mexico with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Torrance County, NM

What is the median household income in Torrance County, NM?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Torrance County, NM is $57,842 per year (approximately $4,820 per month).

What is the average rent in Torrance County, NM?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Torrance County, NM are $1,009 for a studio, $1,185 for 1 bedroom, $1,464 for 2 bedrooms, $2,036 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,399 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Torrance County, NM compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Torrance County, NM is 95.5 (4.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Torrance County, NM?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,464/month) in Torrance County, NM requires a minimum gross household income of $58,560 per year ($4,880 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Torrance County, NM?

For a typical household earning the median income of $57,842/year ($4,820/month) in Torrance County, NM, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,410/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,446/month to discretionary spending, and $964/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Torrance County, NM?

Residential electricity rates in New Mexico average 15.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $136 per month.