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

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Columbia

South Carolina

Albuquerque and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$1,158/mo ↑ 7%

$65,604/yr ↑ 18%

Median Income

$55,653/yr ↓ 15%

$266,700 ↑ 10%

Home Value

$243,500 ↓ 9%

$1,149/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,169/mo ↑ 2%

562,488

Population

138,019

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

6.4%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $9,951/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque 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 $1,158/month — a difference of $73/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Columbia?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $9,951/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and South Carolina?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% 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 $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.