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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Albuquerque is 123% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,085/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 110%
$65,604/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 114%
$266,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 224%
$1,149/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 110%
562,488
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,190/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $14,280/year.

Median household income is $74,556/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Arlington — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Arlington?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,190/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Arlington?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $74,556/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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