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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Albuquerque is 115% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,085/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 96%
$65,604/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 59%
$266,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 222%
$1,149/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 96%
562,488
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $38,615/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fullerton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fullerton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $38,615/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Fullerton details →