Hobbs, NM vs Los Alamos, NM

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hobbs is 26% cheaper than Los Alamos. With a cost index of 81 vs 110, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hobbs to Los Alamos should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hobbs is $1,132/month compared to $1,304/month in Los Alamos — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hobbs is more affordable at $180,700 median vs $458,200.

Median household income in Hobbs is $65,691 compared to $136,502 in Los Alamos (-51.9%). 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 Hobbs spend roughly 20.7% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Los Alamos.