Los Alamos, NM vs Santa Teresa, NM

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Santa Teresa is 25.7% 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 Santa Teresa 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 $1,259/month in Santa Teresa — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Santa Teresa is more affordable at $216,600 median vs $458,200.

Median household income in Los Alamos is $136,502 compared to $60,759 in Santa Teresa (+124.7%). 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 Los Alamos spend roughly 11.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.9% in Santa Teresa.