Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

Albuquerque is 4% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,085/mo ↓ 11%

Median Rent

$1,221/mo ↑ 13%

$65,604/yr ↑ 2%

Median Income

$64,137/yr ↓ 2%

$266,700 ↑ 38%

Home Value

$193,200 ↓ 28%

$1,149/mo ↑ 1%

Owner Costs

$1,136/mo ↓ 1%

562,488

Population

303,620

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

3.07%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

1.49%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $1,467/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Pittsburgh?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $136/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Pittsburgh?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $1,467/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Pennsylvania?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Pittsburgh?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.