Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Albuquerque is 13% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,085/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 2%
$65,604/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 4%
$266,700 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 33%
$1,149/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 3%
562,488
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,884/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Abilene — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Abilene?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Abilene?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,884/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Abilene

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