Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Albuquerque is 14% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,085/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 5%
$65,604/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 22%
$266,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 36%
$1,149/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 12%
562,488
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $14,514/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Mobile slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Mobile — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Mobile?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Mobile?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $14,514/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Alabama?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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