Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Albuquerque is 42% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,085/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 53%
$65,604/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 27%
$266,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 106%
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 47%
562,488
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $17,994/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $17,994/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Colorado?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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