Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Albuquerque is 51% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,085/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 58%
$65,604/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 50%
$266,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 82%
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 40%
562,488
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $33,082/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Meridian — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Meridian?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Meridian?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $33,082/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Idaho?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Meridian details →