Cost of Living in Los Alamos, NM
Population 13,471 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Los Alamos's economy is tied closely to the extraction industries that dominate much of New Mexico. Median household incomes of $136,502 run at or above national figures despite the small population — a direct signal of the wage premium that mining, oil, and gas employers pay. Home values of $458,000 keep the overall cost equation favorable. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Los Alamos is about 50 miles northeast of Rio Rancho, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 68% higher than Rio Rancho's $273,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Los Alamos
The median home value in Los Alamos is $458,200 — 50% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,304/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $136,502/year is 83% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Mexico's top state income tax rate is 5.9% and the combined sales tax is 7.7%. The climate averages highs of 54.5°F and lows of 26.1°F. Overall, Los Alamos has a cost of living index of 130 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 38 | 45 | 52 | 62 | 72 | 74 | 71 | 66 | 57 | 46 | 36 |
| Low °F | 9 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 43 | 36 | 26 | 17 | 9 |
| Precip" | 1.76 | 1.98 | 2.35 | 1.76 | 1.39 | 1.15 | 3.68 | 3.66 | 2.18 | 2.17 | 1.63 | 1.77 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Los Alamos, NM?
Los Alamos has a cost index of 130 (100 = national average). It is 30% above the national average.
What is average rent in Los Alamos, NM?
The median gross rent in Los Alamos is $1,304 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Los Alamos?
The median home value in Los Alamos is $458,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Los Alamos?
The median household income in Los Alamos is $136,502 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Los Alamos, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Los Alamos is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Los Alamos, NM affordable?
Los Alamos is above average in cost of living, with an index of 130 — about 30% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Los Alamos?
Los Alamos has average high temperatures of 54.5°F and average lows of 26.1°F. Annual precipitation is 25.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Los Alamos at a Glance
- Population
- 13,471
- Median Income
- $136,502
- Home Value
- $458,200
- Median Rent
- $1,304/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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