Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Albuquerque is 47% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,085/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 66%
$65,604/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 73%
$266,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 125%
$1,149/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 70%
562,488
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $47,792/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Arvada — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Arvada?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Arvada?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $47,792/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Colorado?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Arvada

Albuquerque vs. Milwaukee Albuquerque vs. Fresno Albuquerque vs. Baltimore Albuquerque vs. Tucson Albuquerque vs. Louisville Albuquerque vs. Sacramento Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence