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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Albuquerque is 64% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,085/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 104%
$65,604/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 58%
$266,700 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 292%
$1,149/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 104%
562,488
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,133/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $13,596/year.

Median household income is $38,174/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Pasadena?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,133/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Pasadena?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $38,174/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Pasadena details →

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