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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Albuquerque is 29% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,085/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 18%
$65,604/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 40%
$266,700 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 65%
$1,149/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 25%
562,488
Population
367,523

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $26,417/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Cleveland?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Cleveland?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $26,417/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 Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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