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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fresno

California
101

Albuquerque is 21% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,085/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↑ 22%
$65,604/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 2%
$266,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 31%
$1,149/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 21%
562,488
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $1,200/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fresno — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fresno?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fresno?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $1,200/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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