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

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Garden Grove

California

176

Albuquerque is 96% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,085/mo ↓ 45%

Median Rent

$1,971/mo ↑ 82%

$65,604/yr ↓ 27%

Median Income

$90,166/yr ↑ 37%

$266,700 ↓ 65%

Home Value

$765,500 ↑ 187%

$1,149/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$2,016/mo ↑ 75%

562,488

Population

170,603

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

26.2%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $24,562/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Garden Grove?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $886/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Garden Grove?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $24,562/year higher in Garden Grove.

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 Garden Grove?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.