Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Albuquerque and Dearborn have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 16%
$65,604/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,192/yr ≈ Same
$266,700 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 23%
$1,149/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 2%
562,488
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $412/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Dearborn?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Dearborn?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $412/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Michigan?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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