Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Albuquerque is 26% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,085/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 35%
$65,604/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 18%
$266,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 26%
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 35%
562,488
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $11,811/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Manchester — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Manchester?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Manchester?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $11,811/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and New Hampshire?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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