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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Albuquerque is 148% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,085/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 121%
$65,604/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 68%
$266,700 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 295%
$1,149/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 114%
562,488
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,310/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $15,720/year.

Median household income is $44,469/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,310/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $44,469/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Costa Mesa details →