Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs High Point, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

High Point

North Carolina

Albuquerque is 7% more expensive than High Point.

$1,085/mo ↑ 2%

Median Rent

$1,062/mo ↓ 2%

$65,604/yr ↑ 7%

Median Income

$61,228/yr ↓ 7%

$266,700 ↑ 26%

Home Value

$212,400 ↓ 20%

$1,149/mo ↑ 6%

Owner Costs

$1,084/mo ↓ 6%

562,488

Population

115,263

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.5%

5.0%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

20.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,376/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs High Point — common questions

Is Albuquerque or High Point cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and High Point?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $23/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or High Point?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $4,376/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or High Point?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.