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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Orange

California
206

Albuquerque is 61% cheaper than Orange.

$1,085/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 108%
$65,604/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 78%
$266,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 238%
$1,149/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 108%
562,488
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,167/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $14,004/year.

Median household income is $51,341/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Orange — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Orange?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,167/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Orange?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $51,341/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Orange

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