Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Albuquerque is 61% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,085/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 61%
$65,604/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 31%
$266,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 106%
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 50%
562,488
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $661/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,932/year.

Median household income is $20,185/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Lakewood?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $661/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Lakewood?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $20,185/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Colorado?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Lakewood details →