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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Ontario

California
152

Albuquerque is 72% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 77%
$65,604/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 26%
$266,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 113%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 71%
562,488
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $831/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,972/year.

Median household income is $17,202/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Ontario — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Ontario?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $831/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Ontario?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $17,202/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Ontario details →