Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Albuquerque is 8% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,085/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 24%
$65,604/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 3%
$266,700 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 12%
$1,149/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 17%
562,488
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $2,154/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Hampton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Hampton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Hampton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $2,154/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Virginia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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