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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Albuquerque is 5% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,085/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 5%
$65,604/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 8%
$266,700 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 26%
$1,149/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 3%
562,488
Population
261,078

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
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $5,117/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Lubbock?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Lubbock?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $5,117/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 Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Lubbock details →