Los Alamos, NM vs Los Lunas, NM

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Los Lunas is 26.4% cheaper than Los Alamos. With a cost index of 87 vs 110, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Los Lunas to Los Alamos should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Los Alamos is $1,304/month compared to $1,157/month in Los Lunas — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Los Lunas is more affordable at $232,700 median vs $458,200.

Median household income in Los Alamos is $136,502 compared to $63,696 in Los Lunas (+114.3%). 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 Los Alamos spend roughly 11.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.8% in Los Lunas.