Aztec, NM vs Los Alamos, NM

The cost of living difference between Aztec, NM and Los Alamos, NM is dramatic. Aztec is 38.9% cheaper than Los Alamos, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Aztec has a cost index of 67 while Los Alamos sits at 110, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Aztec is $765/month compared to $1,304/month in Los Alamos — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Aztec is more affordable at $164,700 median vs $458,200.

Median household income in Aztec is $42,699 compared to $136,502 in Los Alamos (-68.7%). While Los Alamos is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Aztec spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Los Alamos.