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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Albuquerque is 87% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,085/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 102%
$65,604/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 56%
$266,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 122%
$1,149/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 94%
562,488
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,106/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $13,272/year.

Median household income is $36,717/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fairfield?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,106/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fairfield?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $36,717/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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