Cost of Living in Los Alamos County, New Mexico
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Los Alamos County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Los Alamos County ranks #110 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Los Alamos dominates on income and affordability
Los Alamos County residents earn a median household income of $143,188—91% above the national median of $74,755—and spend just 11.0% of income on rent, far below the national comfort zone and the state average of 19.4%. This combination makes Los Alamos the state's most affluent housing market by a substantial margin.
New Mexico's wealthiest county by far
Los Alamos County dramatically outpaces all other New Mexico counties, with a median income nearly triple the state median and a rent-to-income ratio that beats every other county. The county's National Laboratory economy creates a high-wage enclave unlike anywhere else in the state.
Incomes and costs both exceptional
Los Alamos's $143,188 median income dwarfs every comparison county, with Eddy ($79,605) being the nearest competitor at just 55% of Los Alamos earnings. Home values ($452,500 median) are similarly extraordinary, reflecting a completely separate housing market.
High costs, but higher incomes absorb them
Renters pay $1,308 monthly while owners pay $1,634, with median home values around $452,500—New Mexico's highest. At $143,188 median household income, housing costs consume only 11.0% of gross income, leaving substantial room for savings and investment.
Los Alamos: exclusive market, elite incomes
Los Alamos offers unmatched housing affordability ratios, but entry requires a Laboratory job or professional credentials that command similar salaries. If you can secure high-paying technical or scientific employment here, you'll enjoy New Mexico's best affordability picture—and the nation's.
Cost of Living Advisory: Los Alamos County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Los Alamos County is affordable. The median rent is $1,308/month against a median household income of $143,188, putting rent at 11.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Los Alamos County pay $1,308/month on average, compared to $1,634/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $70,029/year. With a median household income of $143,188, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Los Alamos County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Los Alamos County sits 7% less expensive than Sandoval County ($1,408/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Los Alamos County
Rent Burden
11.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,341
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
The median home in Los Alamos County may be a stretch
Median home value is $452,500. Estimated monthly cost: $3,612 vs. your max of $3,341.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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