Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Albuquerque is 33% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,085/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 64%
$65,604/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↑ 19%
$266,700 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$327,700 ↑ 23%
$1,149/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 31%
562,488
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $12,533/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $12,533/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Florida?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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