Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Garland, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Albuquerque is 16% cheaper than Garland.

$1,085/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 41%
$65,604/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 14%
$266,700 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 7%
$1,149/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 26%
562,488
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $9,113/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Garland — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Garland?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Garland?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $9,113/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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