Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Clovis, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Clovis

California
130

Albuquerque is 50% cheaper than Clovis.

$1,085/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,662/mo ↑ 53%
$65,604/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$100,360/yr ↑ 53%
$266,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$453,300 ↑ 70%
$1,149/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,851/mo ↑ 61%
562,488
Population
122,719

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Clovis, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $34,756/year higher in Clovis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $453,300 in Clovis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Clovis — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Clovis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Clovis?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Clovis it's $1,662/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Clovis?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $100,360 in Clovis. Median household income is $34,756/year higher in Clovis.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Clovis?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Clovis has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,662/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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