Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Ruidoso, NM?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.3% of gross income.
Ruidoso rent: May 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (New Mexico state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These New Mexico cities have lower median rent than Ruidoso, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Ruidoso
View full rent data for Ruidoso, NM →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Ruidoso, NM?
Median rent in Ruidoso is $1,700 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in New Mexico earns about $54,711 a year, which makes that rent 37.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Ruidoso?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in New Mexico (~$54,711/yr) supports up to $1,368 a month in rent. Ruidoso's current median rent is $1,700/mo, which is $332/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Ruidoso?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in New Mexico works roughly 64.6 hours a month to cover Ruidoso's median rent of $1,700.
Where is rent cheaper than Ruidoso for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby New Mexico cities with lower median rent include Carlsbad ($1,698/mo), Los Lunas ($1,693/mo), Carlsbad ($1,676/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.