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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Albuquerque is 95% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,085/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 115%
$65,604/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 67%
$266,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 128%
$1,149/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 107%
562,488
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,245/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $14,940/year.

Median household income is $44,176/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Murrieta?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,245/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Murrieta?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $44,176/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Murrieta details →