Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Laredo, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Albuquerque is 13% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,085/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 8%
$65,604/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 4%
$266,700 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 32%
$1,149/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 7%
562,488
Population
255,949

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $2,340/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Laredo — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Laredo?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Laredo?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $2,340/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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