Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Albuquerque is 40% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,085/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 32%
$65,604/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 4%
$266,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 130%
$1,149/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 27%
562,488
Population
114,617

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $2,774/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Albuquerque or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $2,774/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and East Los Angeles

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