Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Albuquerque is 159% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,085/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 153%
$65,604/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 93%
$266,700 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 290%
$1,149/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 129%
562,488
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,657/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $19,884/year.

Median household income is $60,865/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Cambridge?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,657/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Cambridge?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $60,865/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Massachusetts?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Cambridge details →