Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Charleston

South Carolina

128

Albuquerque is 48% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,085/mo ↓ 34%

Median Rent

$1,632/mo ↑ 50%

$65,604/yr ↓ 27%

Median Income

$90,038/yr ↑ 37%

$266,700 ↓ 43%

Home Value

$469,100 ↑ 76%

$1,149/mo ↓ 32%

Owner Costs

$1,688/mo ↑ 47%

562,488

Population

152,014

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

6.4%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $24,434/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Charleston — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Charleston cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 128 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Charleston?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $547/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Charleston?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $24,434/year higher in Charleston.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and South Carolina?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.