Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Peoria, AZ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Peoria

Arizona
125

Albuquerque is 45% cheaper than Peoria.

$1,085/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,743/mo ↑ 61%
$65,604/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$93,403/yr ↑ 42%
$266,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$429,400 ↑ 61%
$1,149/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,589/mo ↑ 38%
562,488
Population
194,338

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Peoria, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 125 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $27,799/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $429,400 in Peoria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Peoria — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Peoria?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Peoria it's $1,743/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Peoria?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $93,403 in Peoria. Median household income is $27,799/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Arizona?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 125 with rent of $1,743/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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