Cost of Living in Los Alamos, NM - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,429 per month with rent, or $853 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,562 per month with rent, or $1,596 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,695 per month with rent, or $2,339 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.45 $17.45
$12.18 $12.18
$30.44 $30.44
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$59.8 $59.8
$39.84 $39.84
$99.6 $99.6
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.03 $10.03
$8.53 $8.53
$20.06 $20.06
Cappuccino
$5.32 $5.32
$3.52 $3.52
$8.05 $8.05
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.29 $2.29
$1.97 $1.97
$3.93 $3.93
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 $1.53
$1.02 $1.02
$2.80 $2.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.05 $6.05
$6.05 $6.05
$8.07 $8.07
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.06 $6.06
$5.05 $5.05
$10.10 $10.10
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.94 $0.94
$0.76 $0.76
$1.63 $1.63
White Bread (500g)
$2.15 $2.15
$2.15 $2.15
$4.03 $4.03
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.27 $3.27
$2.05 $2.05
$11.12 $11.12
Eggs
$4.11 $4.11
$1.94 $1.94
$7.18 $7.18
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.67 $12.67
$8.87 $8.87
$44.33 $44.33
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.32 $10.32
$5.54 $5.54
$17.74 $17.74
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.68 $17.68
$11.05 $11.05
$26.52 $26.52
Apples (1kg)
$4.98 $4.98
$2.26 $2.26
$9.06 $9.06
Banana (1kg)
$1.45 $1.45
$1.23 $1.23
$2.24 $2.24
Oranges (1kg)
$2.88 $2.88
$2.17 $2.17
$7.14 $7.14
Tomato (1kg)
$4.43 $4.43
$2.19 $2.19
$5.54 $5.54
Potato (1kg)
$1.08 $1.08
$1.08 $1.08
$4.29 $4.29
Onion (1kg)
$2.48 $2.48
$1.97 $1.97
$3.07 $3.07
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.04 $2.04
$1.13 $1.13
$7.19 $7.19
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.49 $0.49
$0.49 $0.49
$4.88 $4.88
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.81 $9.81
$8.34 $8.34
$10.80 $10.80
Wine (Bottle)
$13.95 $13.95
$9.97 $9.97
$19.94 $19.94
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.81 $1.81
$1.71 $1.71
$1.98 $1.98
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.73 $2.73
$1.24 $1.24
$7.96 $7.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.05 $2.05
$1.28 $1.28
$2.05 $2.05
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.46 $3.46
$2.99 $2.99
$3.91 $3.91
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.80 $1.80
$1.77 $1.77
$1.98 $1.98
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.38 $29.38
$29.38 $29.38
$32.42 $32.42
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.85 $0.85
$0.75 $0.75
$1.04 $1.04
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$31.3K $31.3K
$30.8K $30.8K
$35.4K $35.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K $26.2K
$26.0K $26.0K
$27.4K $27.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$169 $169
$102 $102
$419 $419
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$40.04 $40.04
$30.03 $30.03
$90.1 $90.1
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$68.7 $68.7
$50.2 $50.2
$100 $100
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.63 $43.63
$17.76 $17.76
$50.7 $50.7
Cinema Ticket
$13.50 $13.50
$10.31 $10.31
$15.70 $15.70
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,250 $1,250
$1,014 $1,014
$1,419 $1,419
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,116 $6,116
$6,116 $6,116
$6,116 $6,116
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.34 $20.34
$20.34 $20.34
$76.3 $76.3
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$50.3 $50.3
$29.60 $29.60
$87.8 $87.8
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.1 $98.1
$76.1 $76.1
$132 $132
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$114 $114
$79.7 $79.7
$129 $129
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,082 $1,082
$1,082 $1,082
$1,827 $1,827
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,378 $1,378
$1,019 $1,019
$1,528 $1,528
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,864 $1,864
$1,864 $1,864
$2,943 $2,943
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,209 $2,209
$1,690 $1,690
$2,485 $2,485
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,306 $3,306
$3,298 $3,298
$3,309 $3,309
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,294 $3,294
$3,287 $3,287
$3,298 $3,298
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$8,257 $8,257
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.49
6.19
6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,082, dropping to $1,378 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 13% of the average salary ($8,257) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $8,257 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,429. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,643.

Groceries cost around $335 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $60.0.

Cost Highlights

Average monthly net salary is higher than 98% of cities in North America

White bread is cheaper than 90% of cities in North America

Los Alamos, NM Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Los Alamos, NM - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Los Alamos compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Los Alamos offers a high quality of life with a small-town feel and easy access to outdoor activities, but affordability is more nuanced than in larger metro areas. For many travelers and remote workers, the appeal lies in a safe, walkable town with good services and a strong sense of community, which adds value even when prices for lodging or dining are steadier than expected. For context, Cost of Living in [location] influences daily choices and helps frame expectations across housing, groceries, and entertainment. In practice, you’ll notice housing sits on the higher side relative to similar-sized towns, while dining and local goods can vary by season and demand in winter. Tip: plan a flexible stay and compare seasonal options in advance.
What does daily life look like in Los Alamos in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Los Alamos balances a compact, walkable town with strong services and a steady pace. For housing, you’ll often see a mix of single-family homes and small apartments, best found through local listings, neighborhood bulletin boards, or referrals. Food options range from markets and bakeries to cozy cafes that emphasize local ingredients. Transit is practical with shorter trips, but a car helps for broader errands; walking and biking are pleasant in most seasons. Co-working spaces and libraries provide quiet work zones for nomads. Plan your weekly routes to minimize backtracking. When budgeting, consider [location] living cost across neighborhoods. Tip: visit at different times to gauge traffic, noise, and crowd levels.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Los Alamos, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Los Alamos comes from a balance of outdoor access, safe streets, and a sense of community. To budget effectively, anchor your plan around essential needs first – housing, groceries, utilities – then add discretionary experiences like short trips to nearby towns or outdoor activities. Seasonality matters: winters bring snow, heating and winter gear considerations, while summers invite hiking and cooler evenings; plan accordingly. Neighborhood fit matters: consider proximity to trails, schools, or downtown services, and test different areas during weekends and workdays to gauge noise and pace. Tip: create a simple monthly framework focused on essentials, flexible spending, and built-in savings.
How much does it cost to live in Los Alamos, NM in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Los Alamos, NM should plan on about $2,429 per month with rent, or $853 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Does Los Alamos, NM offer good value for money?
Los Alamos, NM is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $2,429. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Los Alamos, NM?
You'll want at least $3,643 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Los Alamos, NM. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Los Alamos, NM?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Los Alamos, NM runs about $1,082 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,378. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does eating cost in Los Alamos, NM?
Grocery spending in Los Alamos, NM lands around $335 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much should I budget for food per month in Los Alamos, NM?
Groceries in Los Alamos, NM run about $335 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Los Alamos, NM?
$2,500 is below the $2,429 average in Los Alamos, NM, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Los Alamos, NM a good base for remote workers?
Digital nomads flock to Los Alamos, NM for good reason: fast internet. Monthly costs land around $2,429 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.

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