New Mexico · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Los Alamos County, NM

The median household in Los Alamos County, NM earns $147,139 a year ($12,262/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,740/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $69,600 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 7.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$147,139$12,262 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,740HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)92.2-7.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential NM
Census Population19,435Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Los Alamos County, NM

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,740Monthly market rent
Share of gross income14.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$69,600To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$3,678At 30% of $147,139
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Los Alamos County, NM

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Los Alamos County, NM. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Los Alamos County, NM
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,200$14,400$48,0009.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,326$15,912$53,04010.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,740$20,880$69,60014.2%
3-Bedroom Home$2,086$25,032$83,44017%
4-Bedroom Home$2,843$34,116$113,72023.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Los Alamos County, NM →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Los Alamos County, NM

Based on the local median household income of $147,139/year ($12,262/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$6,131/moRent ($1,740 2-BR), utilities (~$136/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$3,678/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 92.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$2,452/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New Mexico

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New Mexico state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$147,139
$55,000$295,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$147,139
Net 72%
Fed 16%
NM 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$105,939After all taxes
Monthly deposit$8,828Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$4,075Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate28%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$24,047 / yr
New Mexico state income tax$5,896 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$11,256 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across New Mexico with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Los Alamos County, NM

What is the median household income in Los Alamos County, NM?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Los Alamos County, NM is $147,139 per year (approximately $12,262 per month).

What is the average rent in Los Alamos County, NM?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Los Alamos County, NM are $1,200 for a studio, $1,326 for 1 bedroom, $1,740 for 2 bedrooms, $2,086 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,843 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Los Alamos County, NM compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Los Alamos County, NM is 92.2 (7.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Los Alamos County, NM?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,740/month) in Los Alamos County, NM requires a minimum gross household income of $69,600 per year ($5,800 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Los Alamos County, NM?

For a typical household earning the median income of $147,139/year ($12,262/month) in Los Alamos County, NM, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $6,131/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $3,678/month to discretionary spending, and $2,452/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Los Alamos County, NM?

Residential electricity rates in New Mexico average 15.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $136 per month.