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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Albuquerque is 52% cheaper than Plano.

$1,085/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 65%
$65,604/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 66%
$266,700 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 65%
$1,149/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 59%
562,488
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $43,045/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Plano — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Plano?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Plano?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $43,045/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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