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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Albuquerque is 42% cheaper than Allen.

$1,085/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 73%
$65,604/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 97%
$266,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 61%
$1,149/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 81%
562,488
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $63,526/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Allen — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Allen?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Allen?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $63,526/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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