Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Long Beach, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Albuquerque is 89% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,085/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 66%
$65,604/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 28%
$266,700 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 186%
$1,149/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 64%
562,488
Population
458,491

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $18,365/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Long Beach?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Long Beach?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $18,365/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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