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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fremont

California
278

Albuquerque is 198% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,085/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 168%
$65,604/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 169%
$266,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 383%
$1,149/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 161%
562,488
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,820/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $21,840/year.

Median household income is $110,746/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fremont — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fremont?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,820/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fremont?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $110,746/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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