Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Lexington, KY (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Lexington

Kentucky
82

Albuquerque and Lexington have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,101/mo ↑ 1%
$65,604/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$67,631/yr ↑ 3%
$266,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$272,100 ↑ 2%
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,160/mo ≈ Same
562,488
Population
321,122

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Lexington, KY, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,027/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $272,100 in Lexington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Lexington — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Lexington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Lexington?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Lexington it's $1,101/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Lexington?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $67,631 in Lexington. Median household income is $2,027/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Kentucky?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Lexington?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Lexington has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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