Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Everett, WA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Albuquerque is 57% cheaper than Everett.

$1,085/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 54%
$65,604/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 24%
$266,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 100%
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 51%
562,488
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $15,898/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Everett — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Everett?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Everett?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $15,898/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Washington?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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