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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Albuquerque is 18% cheaper than Grand Prairie.

$1,085/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↑ 35%
$65,604/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↑ 20%
$266,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$272,200 ↑ 2%
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↑ 29%
562,488
Population
198,564

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $13,285/year higher in Grand Prairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $13,285/year higher in Grand Prairie.
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 Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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