Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Athens, GA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Albuquerque is 3% cheaper than Athens.

$1,085/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 7%
$65,604/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 21%
$266,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 2%
$1,149/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 1%
562,488
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $13,949/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Athens — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Athens?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Athens?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $13,949/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Georgia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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