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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Albuquerque is 56% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,085/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 111%
$65,604/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 67%
$266,700 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 160%
$1,149/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 102%
562,488
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,201/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $14,412/year.

Median household income is $43,907/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $1,201/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $43,907/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

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