2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Rio Rancho, NM vs Cottonwood, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Cottonwood or is it cheaper to live in Rio Rancho?
- Cottonwood is 20.2% more expensive than Rio Rancho.

Which city has more affordable housing, Cottonwood or Rio Rancho?
- Cottonwood housing costs are 23.3% more expensive than Rio Rancho housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Rio Rancho or is Health Care more affordable in Cottonwood.
- Health related expenses are 61.7% more in Cottonwood.
 Rio Rancho, NMCottonwood, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock114.1100
 Food & Groceries95.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock129.5100
 Housing87.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$368,400$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock91.2100
 Miscellaneous106.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Rio Rancho    21 Reviews

I have lived in the area for the past three years with my husband. Although vastly better than Albuquerque, this is not a safe area. We have had overt and petty crime on  More

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The pros: -Fairly good year-round weather. Sunny days outnumber cloudy days, there are days when the temps fall below freezing and the sun will still be shining. It's  More

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Over 5 years ago

Affordable housing, low crime (compared to Albuquerque), awesome weather with all 4 seasons, beautiful environment and some pretty awesome people. I love Rio Rancho,  More

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Reviews for Cottonwood    10 Reviews

As a 6th generation AZ Native, someone who had the misfortune of growing up in Phoenix, and who has lived all over the VV and Flagstaff, I think Cottonwood is great  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have lived in Cottonwood since 2002. When I first moved here, this place was wonderful. Quiet, friendly and affordable. The weather was good with plenty of sunshine  More

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Actually Cottonwood is a great place because of the great LGBTQ community. Without this aspect Cottonwood wouldn't be anything really, except a Wal-mart. The LGBTQ  More

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