Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Kent, WA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Albuquerque is 65% cheaper than Kent.

$1,085/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 69%
$65,604/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 38%
$266,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 102%
$1,149/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 67%
562,488
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $24,812/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Kent — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Kent?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Kent?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $24,812/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Washington?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Kent details →