Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Madison, WI (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Albuquerque is 23% cheaper than Madison.

$1,085/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 26%
$65,604/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 17%
$266,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 30%
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 28%
562,488
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $11,379/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Madison — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Madison?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Madison?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $11,379/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Wisconsin?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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