What if your business could offer employees a higher quality of life while simultaneously lowering operational costs? What if your paycheck could stretch over 9% further than in the average U.S. city?
In Sandoval County, New Mexico, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s a statistical fact.
The new Q3 2025 Cost of Living Index (COLI) report (based on Q2 data) from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) is out, and the data confirms what we’ve long known: Sandoval County is a premier destination for businesses and talent seeking an unbeatable value proposition.
The report analyzes relative costs for professional and executive households across 272 urban areas. With the national average indexed at 100, Sandoval County posts a Composite Index of just 90.9. This means our community is almost 10% more affordable than the U.S. average, giving every business and resident an immediate financial edge.
Our Unbeatable Housing Advantage
The single biggest factor in any budget is almost always housing. This is where Sandoval County truly shines.
Our Housing Index is a remarkable 86.2, a full 13.8% below the national average.
For a skilled professional, this translates to tangible, life-changing savings. For a business, it means your salary offers go further, making talent attraction and retention easier. This affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality; it means enjoying our renowned quality of life, open spaces, and vibrant culture without the financial stress that plagues so many major metros.
Let’s put that 86.2 index in perspective. When you compare Sandoval County to the nation’s largest economic hubs, the “Sandoval Advantage” becomes undeniable.
2025 Q3 Cost of Living Comparison: Composite & Housing
| Location | Composite Index | Housing Index |
|---|---|---|
| New York (Manhattan), NY | 232.5 | 508.4 |
| San Jose, CA | 177.7 | 317.8 |
| San Francisco, CA | 164.1 | 259.2 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 150.6 | 235.3 |
| Denver, CO | 109.3 | 117.9 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 103.3 | 110.1 |
| National Average | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 97.0 | 91.1 |
| Austin, TX | 96.8 | 95.3 |
| Sandoval County, NM | 90.9 | 86.2 |
| Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index, Q3 2025 | ||
The data is clear. A professional household’s housing costs in San Francisco are three times higher than in Sandoval County181818. In Manhattan, they are nearly six times higher.
This isn’t just a gap; it’s a chasm. We also offer significant savings over our regional neighbors like Denver (109.3) and Phoenix (103.3), and we remain the most affordable location in the Albuquerque metro area.
The Trajectory: We’re Bucking the National Trend
Perhaps the most compelling insight from this report is our trajectory. In an era where affordability is shrinking nationwide, Sandoval County’s competitive position is improving.
The C2ER data allows for a direct year-over-year comparison with Q3 2024. This isn’t just a snapshot; it’s a trend, and it’s pointing in the right direction.
Sandoval County Cost of Living Trend (2024 vs. 2025)
| Index Category | Q3 2024 Index | Q3 2025 Index | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Index | 93.1 | 90.9 | -2.2 points (Improved Affordability) |
| Grocery Items | 96.6 | 96.5 | -0.1 points |
| Housing | 91.2 | 86.2 | -5.0 points (Improved Affordability) |
| Utilities | 84.0 | 85.1 | +1.1 points |
| Transportation | 92.2 | 93.5 | +1.3 points |
| Health Care | 98.8 | 86.0 | -12.8 points (Improved Affordability) |
| Misc. Goods & Services | 94.7 | 96.5 | +1.8 points |
| Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index. Q3 2024 data. | |||
Our overall cost of living index fell 2.2 points, driven by a remarkable 5-point drop in our relative housing index and a nearly 13-point drop in our health cost index.
This data tells a powerful story: Sandoval County is an anchor of stability and increasing value. While other regions grapple with skyrocketing costs that erode wages and strain businesses, we are actively strengthening our affordability advantage.
What This Means for You
This data is more than just numbers on a page; it’s the foundation of a strategic advantage.
- For Businesses & Site Selectors: A 9.1% lower cost of living, driven by a 13.8% savings on housing, gives you a powerful tool for talent attraction. Your salary offers are instantly more competitive. It means less pressure on your wage structure and a happier, more financially stable workforce.
- For Talent & Professionals: Your paycheck goes further here. A lot further. The dream of homeownership, financial breathing room, and a high-quality lifestyle is not a far-off goal in Sandoval County—it’s the reality for our residents.
- For Our Partners: This is a key data point to share. When you speak with clients, investors, or stakeholders, you can state with confidence that Sandoval County is one of the most cost-competitive and stable locations in the United States.
The Sandoval Advantage is Clear
The Q3 2025 COLI report is a clear confirmation of our economic strength. Sandoval County offers a rare, winning combination: a pro-business environment, a skilled workforce, exceptional quality of life, and a foundational affordability that is second to none.
We invite you to discover how the Sandoval Advantage can become your advantage.
A methodological note: The C2ER Cost of Living Index measures relative price levels for professional and executive households in the top income quintile. It does not include state and local taxes.
Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index
