Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Beaumont, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Albuquerque is 14% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,085/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 1%
$65,604/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 12%
$266,700 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 40%
$1,149/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 10%
562,488
Population
113,710

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,074/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Beaumont residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Beaumont?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Beaumont?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $8,074/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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