Los Alamos, NM vs Taos, NM

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Taos is 15.1% cheaper than Los Alamos. With a cost index of 95 vs 110, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Taos 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 $915/month in Taos — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Taos is more affordable at $432,700 median vs $458,200.

Median household income in Los Alamos is $136,502 compared to $46,579 in Taos (+193.1%). 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 23.6% in Taos.