Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Albuquerque is 30% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,085/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 35%
$65,604/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 26%
$266,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 42%
$1,149/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 29%
562,488
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $16,820/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Raleigh?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Raleigh?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $16,820/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Raleigh details →