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Cost of Living in San Rafael, NM (87051)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$16.81 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$69,912 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$5,810 / mo2.0x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: San Rafael (87051)

Navigating the local economic landscape in San Rafael (87051) reveals an average baseline monthly living cost of approximately $2,913 for a single adult. This comprehensive benchmark reflects essential housing, nutrition, tax, and medical commitments.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $640 per month—just 22% of baseline expenses—San Rafael offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across New Mexico.

To maintain sustainable financial health in San Rafael (87051) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,913/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $69,912 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.81/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in San Rafael increase to $5,810 per month ($69,720/year)—approximately 2.0x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $52,266, local wages provide a 1.50x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $931 monthly in 87051, coupled with $340 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $430 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

Cost Comparison: San Rafael (87051) vs. New Mexico Average

Direct monthly cost comparison for a single adult baseline against the statewide average across all NM counties.

Expense CategorySan Rafael (87051)NM State AverageDifference
Housing & Rent$640/mo$640/moEqual
Food & Groceries$249/mo$271/mo-8%
Transportation$931/mo$924/mo+1%
Healthcare$340/mo$330/mo+3%
Direct Taxes$430/mo$433/mo-1%
Total Monthly Baseline$2,913/mo$2,928/mo-1%

* Statewide benchmarks are calculated from weighted county-level cost of living data across New Mexico.

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Total Monthly Cost$2,913Est. $34,954 / year
Housing / Rent$64022.0% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$249Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$52,266Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$640
Food$249
Transportation$931
Healthcare$340
Taxes$430
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for San Rafael (87051)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in San Rafael, NM (87051)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in San Rafael (87051) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.81/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in San Rafael (87051)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $69,912 to live comfortably in San Rafael (87051).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in San Rafael (87051)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in San Rafael (87051) are $5,810 per month ($69,720 per year).