Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Los Alamos?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Los Alamos, you need to earn at least $58,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $130,342, which means the typical resident is $71,462 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 13,460

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,030	$3,433	$41,200	$-89,142
1 Bedroom	$1,222	$4,073	$48,880	$-81,462
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,472	$4,907	$58,880	$-71,462
3 Bedroom	$1,796	$5,987	$71,840	$-58,502
4 Bedroom	$2,208	$7,360	$88,320	$-42,022

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Los Alamos's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$130,342

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$58,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$71,462

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 13.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Los Alamos

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Los Alamos's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,259

Studio

$1,030/mo

1 BR

$1,222/mo

2 BR

$1,472/mo

3 BR

$1,796/mo

4 BR

$2,208/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Los Alamos.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Los Alamos's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Los Alamos

Los Alamos, New Mexico stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $130,342 significantly exceeds the $58,880 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $71,462 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Los Alamos, a studio at $1,030/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,796/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $71,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $88,320 would position you well — though many residents in Los Alamos manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

With a total population of 13,460, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,493 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $58,880 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

7,493

Active civilian employees in Los Alamos

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Los Alamos

What salary do I need to live in Los Alamos, New Mexico?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Los Alamos under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $58,880. The median household income in Los Alamos is $130,342.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Los Alamos on $130,342?

The affordability verdict for Los Alamos is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 13.6%, meaning median earners have a $71,462 surplus.

What is the average rent in Los Alamos compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Los Alamos is $1,222/month. With a median household income of $130,342, residents spend approximately 13.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Los Alamos?

A studio in Los Alamos rents for approximately $1,030/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,200 to afford this.

Is Los Alamos considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $71,462 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Los Alamos is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $58,880 to the local median household income.

How Los Alamos Compares

Other cities in New Mexico with salary requirements