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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Albuquerque is 22% cheaper than Irving.

$1,085/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 40%
$65,604/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↑ 21%
$266,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$287,300 ↑ 8%
$1,149/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 32%
562,488
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $14,037/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Irving — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Irving 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 Irving?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Irving?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $14,037/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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