Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Albuquerque is 25% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,085/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 36%
$65,604/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 20%
$266,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 37%
$1,149/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 22%
562,488
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $13,175/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Mesa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Mesa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Mesa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $13,175/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Arizona?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Mesa

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