Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Albuquerque is 102% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,085/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 92%
$65,604/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 38%
$266,700 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 189%
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 88%
562,488
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $997/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $11,964/year.

Median household income is $24,979/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Anaheim?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $997/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Anaheim?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $24,979/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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