Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Pueblo, CO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

Albuquerque is 8% more expensive than Pueblo.

$1,085/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 6%
$65,604/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 16%
$266,700 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$230,900 ↓ 13%
$1,149/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 12%
562,488
Population
111,514

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
Sales Tax
2.9%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $10,299/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Pueblo — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Pueblo?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Pueblo?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $10,299/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Colorado?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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