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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Albuquerque is 34% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,085/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 49%
$65,604/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 25%
$266,700 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 58%
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 48%
562,488
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $16,334/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Atlanta?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Atlanta?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $16,334/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Atlanta details →

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