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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Albuquerque is 50% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,085/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 62%
$65,604/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 29%
$266,700 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 67%
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 53%
562,488
Population
390,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $18,716/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Aurora — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Aurora?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Aurora?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $18,716/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Aurora details →