Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Albuquerque is 29% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,085/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 35%
$65,604/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 3%
$266,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 48%
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 34%
562,488
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $1,730/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $1,730/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and New Jersey?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Elizabeth

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