RentData

Average Rent in Los Alamos County, NM Rents rising 3.4% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in NM

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,374

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Los Alamos County, NM has rental prices ranging from $997/month to $2,366/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,074/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $143,188/year, spending $1,074/month on a 1-bedroom represents 9% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Los Alamos County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,409/month, Los Alamos County ranks #2 most expensive of the 30 cities tracked in New Mexico — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.

The Los Alamos County Rental Market

The Los Alamos County, NM area has a population of about 19,374 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Los Alamos County, NM have risen by $46/month (3.4%) over the past year, from $1,363 to $1,409. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Los Alamos County, NM without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,960. The local median household income of $143,188 exceeds that threshold by $100,228, making Los Alamos County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Los Alamos County, NM has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, 1.2 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$997
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,074
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,409
3.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,698
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,366
Affordable
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Is Los Alamos County, NM Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$56,360/year
Local median income: $143,188
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,409/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NMlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Albuquerque$913$1,084$1,331$1,865
Las Cruces$741$940$1,041$1,447
Santa Fe$1,235$1,368$1,627$2,057
Farmington$841$855$1,034$1,449
Lea County$806$862$1,131$1,397
McKinley County$652$799$951$1,169

Rent or Buy in Los Alamos County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Los Alamos County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,409/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,409/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Los Alamos County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Los Alamos County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Los Alamos County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NM

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⚖️Compare Los Alamos County

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📋NM Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections