Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Albuquerque and Omaha have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↑ 6%
$65,604/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↑ 11%
$266,700 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$230,100 ↓ 14%
$1,149/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↑ 9%
562,488
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $7,104/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Omaha — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Omaha?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Omaha?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $7,104/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Nebraska?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Omaha has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,150/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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