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Cost of Living in Taos

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

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$57,805
$946/mo

Median in area: $946

$426,403

Median in area: $426,403

$85,281

If you Rent

$1,104 /mo
Base Rent$946
Est. Utilities$158
% of Income22.9%
Pre-tax Residual$3,713

If you Buy

$2,632 /mo
P&I (6.904%)$2,248
Taxes & Ins$226
Est. Utilities$158
% of Income54.6%
Pre-tax Residual$2,186

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Taos?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Taos. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,104, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,632 per month (a difference of $1,528).

How much do utilities cost in Taos?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Taos is approximately $158. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Taos?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Taos without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $44,160 per year.