Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Reno, NV (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Albuquerque is 42% cheaper than Reno.

$1,085/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 34%
$65,604/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 20%
$266,700 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 87%
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 29%
562,488
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.85%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $12,844/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Reno — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Reno?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Reno?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $12,844/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Nevada?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Reno details →