salaryRent is higher than in 84% of U.S. cities. Incomes are on the low side for rents this high, so budgets feel tight. A typical house costs about 8.7 years of household income, so buying is hard for most locals.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $97,920 a year. That is $47 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other New Mexico cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of New Mexico. It is number 43 of 44 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Taos?
Share of households by yearly income. 23.4% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Taos
| Size | Taos | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $788 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $813 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,408 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,350 | $1,698 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Taos overall?
Everyday prices in New Mexico overall are 8% below the U.S. average (index 92.2, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024. City-level data is not published for Taos, so the New Mexico figure is shown.
Taxes and bills in Taos
Life in Taos
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Taos?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $646 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $445,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $44,590 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Taos, NM?
Renting in Taos costs a median of about $2,448 a month in 2026, including utilities. The New Mexico median is $1,181.
How much do I need to make to live in Taos?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $97,920 a year, or $47 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Taos cheap or expensive?
Taos is rated Expensive: rent takes 57.6% of the typical household income of $51,017. It ranks 43rd cheapest of 44 New Mexico cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Taos?
The median homeowner in Taos pays $1,600 a year in property taxes, about 0.36% of the median home value.
Is Taos more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in New Mexico are 8% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Taos?
The median home value in Taos is $445,900, about 8.7 times the typical yearly household income.
6,458 people live in Taos. Numbers are typical (middle) values.