Clayton, NM vs Taos, NM

The cost of living difference between Clayton, NM and Taos, NM is dramatic. Clayton is 36.4% cheaper than Taos, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clayton has a cost index of 61 while Taos sits at 95, 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 Clayton is $637/month compared to $915/month in Taos — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clayton is more affordable at $111,500 median vs $432,700.

Median household income in Clayton is $40,192 compared to $46,579 in Taos (-13.7%). Taos does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 23.6% in Taos.