Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Modesto

California
120

Albuquerque is 40% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,085/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 48%
$65,604/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 19%
$266,700 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 56%
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 40%
562,488
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $12,295/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Modesto — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Modesto?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Modesto?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $12,295/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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