Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Pomona, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Pomona

California
143

Albuquerque is 44% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,085/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 60%
$65,604/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 20%
$266,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 114%
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 53%
562,488
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $13,265/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Pomona — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Pomona?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Pomona?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $13,265/year higher in Pomona.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Pomona details →

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