Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Albuquerque is 95% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,085/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 64%
$65,604/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 30%
$266,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 213%
$1,149/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 57%
562,488
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
11.0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $19,824/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Honolulu?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Honolulu?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $19,824/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Hawaii?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with rent of $1,783/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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