Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Albuquerque is 39% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,085/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 48%
$65,604/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 16%
$266,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 48%
$1,149/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 46%
562,488
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $10,601/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Lowell — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Lowell?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Lowell?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $10,601/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Massachusetts?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Lowell details →