Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Denton, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Albuquerque is 20% cheaper than Denton.

$1,085/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 24%
$65,604/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 12%
$266,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 22%
$1,149/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 27%
562,488
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $8,115/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Denton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Denton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Denton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $8,115/year higher in Denton.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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