Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Albuquerque is 54% cheaper than Chandler.

$1,085/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 66%
$65,604/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 58%
$266,700 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$469,800 ↑ 76%
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↑ 52%
562,488
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $38,087/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Chandler — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Chandler?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Chandler?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $38,087/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Arizona?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Chandler details →