Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Albuquerque is 46% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 75%
$65,604/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 45%
$266,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 100%
$1,149/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 75%
562,488
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $29,209/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Jersey City?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Jersey City?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $29,209/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and New Jersey?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Jersey City details →

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