Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Cary, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Albuquerque is 55% cheaper than Cary.

$1,085/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 49%
$65,604/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 97%
$266,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 97%
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 52%
562,488
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $63,795/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Cary — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Cary?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Cary?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $63,795/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Cary details →