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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Albuquerque is 31% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,085/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 54%
$65,604/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 51%
$266,700 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 33%
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 47%
562,488
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $33,511/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Carrollton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Carrollton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $33,511/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Carrollton

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