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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Concord

California
187

Albuquerque is 107% cheaper than Concord.

$1,085/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 105%
$65,604/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 66%
$266,700 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 183%
$1,149/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 99%
562,488
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,141/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $13,692/year.

Median household income is $43,591/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Concord — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Concord?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $1,141/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Concord?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $43,591/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Concord details →