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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Oakland

California
195

Albuquerque is 59% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 77%
$65,604/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 48%
$266,700 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 247%
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 88%
562,488
Population
438,072

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $832/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,984/year.

Median household income is $31,765/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Oakland — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Oakland?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $832/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Oakland?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $31,765/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Oakland details →

More Comparisons

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