Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Providence, RI (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Providence

Rhode Island

Albuquerque is 19% cheaper than Providence.

$1,085/mo ↓ 19%

Median Rent

$1,333/mo ↑ 23%

$65,604/yr ↓ 2%

Median Income

$66,772/yr ↑ 2%

$266,700 ↓ 17%

Home Value

$322,800 ↑ 21%

$1,149/mo ↓ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,467/mo ↑ 28%

562,488

Population

190,214

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

5.99%

5.0%

Sales Tax

7.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

1.53%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $1,168/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Providence — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Providence cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 99 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Providence?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $248/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Providence?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $1,168/year higher in Providence.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Rhode Island?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Providence?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.