Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Albuquerque is 3% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,085/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 4%
$65,604/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↑ 7%
$266,700 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 7%
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ≈ Same
562,488
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,387/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Lincoln?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Lincoln?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $4,387/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Nebraska?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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