Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs New Orleans, LA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

New Orleans

Louisiana
90

Albuquerque is 11% cheaper than New Orleans.

$1,085/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,211/mo ↑ 12%
$65,604/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$55,339/yr ↓ 16%
$266,700 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$296,400 ↑ 11%
$1,149/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,274/mo ↑ 11%
562,488
Population
376,035

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and New Orleans, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $10,265/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $296,400 in New Orleans.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs New Orleans — common questions

Is Albuquerque or New Orleans cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and New Orleans?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in New Orleans it's $1,211/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or New Orleans?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $55,339 in New Orleans. Median household income is $10,265/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Louisiana?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or New Orleans?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,211/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View New Orleans details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and New Orleans

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