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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Antioch

California
171

Albuquerque is 91% cheaper than Antioch.

$1,085/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,241/mo ↑ 107%
$65,604/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$94,256/yr ↑ 44%
$266,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$607,400 ↑ 128%
$1,149/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,271/mo ↑ 98%
562,488
Population
115,759

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
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Antioch, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,156/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $13,872/year.

Median household income is $28,652/year higher in Antioch. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $607,400 in Antioch.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Antioch — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Antioch cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Antioch?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Antioch it's $2,241/month — a difference of $1,156/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Antioch?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $94,256 in Antioch. Median household income is $28,652/year higher in Antioch.
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 Antioch?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Antioch has a cost index of 171 with rent of $2,241/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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