Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Albuquerque is 46% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,085/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 87%
$65,604/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 85%
$266,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 94%
$1,149/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 66%
562,488
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $943/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $11,316/year.

Median household income is $55,747/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Gilbert?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $943/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Gilbert?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $55,747/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Arizona?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Gilbert details →

More Comparisons

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