Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Albuquerque is 48% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,085/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 68%
$65,604/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 47%
$266,700 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 52%
$1,149/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 56%
562,488
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $30,653/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Richardson — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Richardson?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Richardson?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $30,653/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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