Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs College Station, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Albuquerque is 12% cheaper than College Station.

$1,085/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 8%
$65,604/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 21%
$266,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 22%
$1,149/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 9%
562,488
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $13,828/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs College Station — common questions

Is Albuquerque or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and College Station?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or College Station?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $13,828/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and College Station

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