Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Albuquerque is 11% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,085/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 12%
$65,604/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 21%
$266,700 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 19%
$1,149/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 9%
562,488
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $13,897/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $13,897/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Ohio?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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