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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Kansas

Missouri
80

Albuquerque and Kansas have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↑ 9%
$65,604/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↑ 3%
$266,700 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 15%
$1,149/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↑ 5%
562,488
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Kansas, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $1,845/year higher in Kansas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $227,000 in Kansas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Kansas — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Kansas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Kansas?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Kansas it's $1,186/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Kansas?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $67,449 in Kansas. Median household income is $1,845/year higher in Kansas.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Missouri?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Kansas?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Kansas has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,186/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Kansas details →