Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Albuquerque is 24% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,085/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 42%
$65,604/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 2%
$266,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 22%
$1,149/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 23%
562,488
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $1,164/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Clearwater?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Clearwater?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $1,164/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Florida?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Clearwater details →

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