Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Kansas City

Albuquerque is 15% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,085/mo ↑ 1%

Median Rent

$1,073/mo ↓ 1%

$65,604/yr ↑ 11%

Median Income

$59,183/yr ↓ 10%

$266,700 ↑ 81%

Home Value

$147,100 ↓ 45%

$1,149/mo ↑ 9%

Owner Costs

$1,054/mo ↓ 8%

562,488

Population

154,776

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

5.7%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.5%

0.67%

Property Tax

1.41%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,421/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Kansas City cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Kansas City?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $12/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Kansas City?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $6,421/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Kansas?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Kansas City?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.