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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Albuquerque is 88% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,085/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 101%
$65,604/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 86%
$266,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 126%
$1,149/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 94%
562,488
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,095/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $13,140/year.

Median household income is $56,625/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,095/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $56,625/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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