Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Albuquerque is 9% cheaper than Norfolk.

$1,085/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 15%
$65,604/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 2%
$266,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 2%
$1,149/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 19%
562,488
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $1,587/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Norfolk?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Norfolk?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $1,587/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Virginia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Norfolk details →