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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Albuquerque is 16% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,085/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 2%
$65,604/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 15%
$266,700 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 44%
$1,149/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 11%
562,488
Population
198,440

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,917/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Montgomery?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Montgomery?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $9,917/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 Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Montgomery details →