Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Albuquerque is 68% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,085/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 131%
$65,604/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 146%
$266,700 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 351%
$1,149/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 125%
562,488
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,420/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $17,040/year.

Median household income is $95,696/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Bellevue?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,420/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Bellevue?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $95,696/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Washington?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Bellevue

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