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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Albuquerque is 19% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,085/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ≈ Same
$65,604/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 19%
$266,700 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 39%
$1,149/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 8%
562,488
Population
201,504

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,470/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Augusta — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Augusta?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Augusta?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $12,470/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 Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Augusta details →

More Comparisons

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