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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Albuquerque is 171% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,085/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 96%
$65,604/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 65%
$266,700 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 407%
$1,149/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 104%
562,488
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,042/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $12,504/year.

Median household income is $42,954/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Berkeley?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,042/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Berkeley?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $42,954/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Berkeley details →