Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Albuquerque and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 2%
$65,604/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 2%
$266,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$268,300 ≈ Same
$1,149/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 3%
562,488
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,116/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Columbia — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Columbia?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Columbia?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $1,116/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Missouri?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Columbia details →