Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Albuquerque is 93% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,085/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 87%
$65,604/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 73%
$266,700 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 161%
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 89%
562,488
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $946/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $11,352/year.

Median household income is $48,034/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Alexandria?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $946/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Alexandria?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $48,034/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Virginia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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