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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Albuquerque is 41% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,085/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 62%
$65,604/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 71%
$266,700 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 24%
$1,149/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 71%
562,488
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $46,866/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Pearland — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Pearland?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Pearland?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $46,866/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Pearland details →