Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Bakersfield

California

104

Albuquerque is 24% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,085/mo ↓ 21%

Median Rent

$1,371/mo ↑ 26%

$65,604/yr ↓ 15%

Median Income

$77,397/yr ↑ 18%

$266,700 ↓ 23%

Home Value

$347,300 ↑ 30%

$1,149/mo ↓ 25%

Owner Costs

$1,540/mo ↑ 34%

562,488

Population

408,366

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

13.3%

5.0%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $11,793/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Bakersfield?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $286/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Bakersfield?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $11,793/year higher in Bakersfield.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Bakersfield?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.