RentData

Average Rent in Taos County, NM Rents rising 1.9% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 34,516

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

Market Overview

Taos County, NM has rental prices ranging from $808/month to $1,797/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $934/month — 33% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,908/year, spending $934/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

The Taos County Rental Market

The Taos County, NM area has a population of about 34,516 and 21% 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 Taos County, NM have risen by $20/month (1.9%) over the past year, from $1,050 to $1,070. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Taos County, NM without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,360. The local median household income of $58,908 exceeds that threshold by $21,548, making Taos County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Taos County, NM has an unemployment rate of 6.0%, 2.1 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$808
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$934
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,070
1.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,368
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,797
Average
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Is Taos 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
$42,800/year
Local median income: $58,908
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,070/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 Taos County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Taos County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,070/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,070/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Taos 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 Taos County

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💵Rent Affordability in Taos County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋NM Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections