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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Albuquerque is 22% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,085/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 29%
$65,604/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↑ 7%
$266,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$347,000 ↑ 30%
$1,149/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↑ 18%
562,488
Population
250,193

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
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $4,535/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Glendale — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Glendale?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Glendale?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $4,535/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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