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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Albuquerque is 4% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,085/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 11%
$65,604/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 2%
$266,700 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 27%
$1,149/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ≈ Same
562,488
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $1,334/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Pasadena?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $1,334/year higher in Albuquerque.
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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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