Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Colorado Springs, CO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Colorado Springs

Colorado

119

Albuquerque is 39% cheaper than Colorado Springs.

$1,085/mo ↓ 31%

Median Rent

$1,562/mo ↑ 44%

$65,604/yr ↓ 21%

Median Income

$83,198/yr ↑ 27%

$266,700 ↓ 37%

Home Value

$420,700 ↑ 58%

$1,149/mo ↓ 28%

Owner Costs

$1,592/mo ↑ 39%

562,488

Population

483,099

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.4%

5.0%

Sales Tax

2.9%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.51%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Colorado Springs, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $17,594/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $420,700 in Colorado Springs.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Colorado Springs — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 119 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Colorado Springs?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Colorado Springs it's $1,562/month — a difference of $477/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Colorado Springs?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $83,198 in Colorado Springs. Median household income is $17,594/year higher in Colorado Springs.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Colorado?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Colorado Springs?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,562/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.