Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Albuquerque is 20% cheaper than Newark.

$1,085/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 23%
$65,604/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 26%
$266,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 27%
$1,149/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 23%
562,488
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.625%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $17,188/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Newark — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Newark?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Newark?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $17,188/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and New Jersey?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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