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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Downey

California
169

Albuquerque is 89% cheaper than Downey.

$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 74%
$65,604/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 33%
$266,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 173%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 74%
562,488
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $807/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,684/year.

Median household income is $21,796/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Downey — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Downey?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $807/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Downey?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $21,796/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Downey details →