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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Albuquerque is 10% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,085/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 30%
$65,604/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 10%
$266,700 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 15%
$1,149/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 20%
562,488
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $6,239/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Mesquite?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Mesquite?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $6,239/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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