Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Albuquerque is 3% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,085/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 22%
$65,604/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 11%
$266,700 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 22%
$1,149/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 9%
562,488
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $7,426/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Odessa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Odessa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Odessa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $7,426/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Odessa details →