Travel Nurse Pay in Rio Rancho, New Mexico: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Rio Rancho.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Rio Rancho Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in NM.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$215
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,905
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,761
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,523
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,045
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,905
per week
Taxes
$215
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in New Mexico
$900
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,430
Your stipend covers rent with $3,430 left over each month.
Find apartments under $900/month in Albuquerque:
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Cost of Living Analysis in New Mexico
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. New Mexico's cost of living is lower than the national average by 11.6 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Rio Rancho
Average Hourly Rate
$46/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,840
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Rio Rancho
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Rio Rancho
- 🏥 Rio Rancho Regional Medical
- 🏥 Rio Rancho General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Rio Rancho
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Rio Rancho, New Mexico?
Travel nurses in Rio Rancho typically earn between $41 and $56 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $46/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $50-65 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Rio Rancho, New Mexico?
The GSA per diem rates for Rio Rancho are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho?
The cost of living index in Rio Rancho is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Rio Rancho?
Top hospitals in Rio Rancho that frequently hire travel nurses include Rio Rancho Regional Medical, Rio Rancho General Hospital, Community Health Rio Rancho, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Rio Rancho?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Rio Rancho include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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