Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Chattanooga

Tennessee

Albuquerque and Chattanooga have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$1,155/mo ↑ 6%

$65,604/yr ↑ 7%

Median Income

$61,028/yr ↓ 7%

$266,700 ↑ 3%

Home Value

$259,200 ↓ 3%

$1,149/mo ↑ 3%

Owner Costs

$1,112/mo ↓ 3%

562,488

Population

182,832

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

5.0%

Sales Tax

7.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.64%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $4,576/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 81 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Chattanooga?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $70/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Chattanooga?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $4,576/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Tennessee?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Chattanooga?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.