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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Albuquerque is 19% cheaper than Midland.

$1,085/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 30%
$65,604/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 39%
$266,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 12%
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 28%
562,488
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $25,565/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Midland — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Midland?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Midland?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $25,565/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Midland details →