Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Albuquerque is 38% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,085/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 10%
$65,604/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 20%
$266,700 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 55%
$1,149/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 15%
562,488
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $13,434/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Lansing — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Lansing?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Lansing?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $13,434/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Michigan?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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