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Cost of Living in Los Alamos

Is it better to rent or buy in Los Alamos? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$79,572
$2,498/mo

Median in area: $2,498

$877,997

Median in area: $877,997

$175,599

If you Rent

$2,693 /mo
Base Rent$2,498
Est. Utilities$195
% of Income40.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,938

If you Buy

$5,349 /mo
P&I (6.875%)$4,614
Taxes & Ins$540
Est. Utilities$195
% of Income80.7%
Pre-tax Residual$1,282

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Los Alamos?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Los Alamos. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,693, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $5,349 per month (a difference of $2,656).

How much do utilities cost in Los Alamos?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Los Alamos is approximately $195. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Los Alamos?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Los Alamos without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $107,720 per year.