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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Albuquerque is 11% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,085/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 3%
$65,604/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 5%
$266,700 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 30%
$1,149/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 7%
562,488
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,135/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Amarillo?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Amarillo?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $3,135/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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