Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Durham, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Albuquerque is 24% cheaper than Durham.

$1,085/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 30%
$65,604/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 21%
$266,700 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 33%
$1,149/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 25%
562,488
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $13,630/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Durham — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Durham?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Durham?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $13,630/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Durham details →

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