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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Richmond

California
161

Albuquerque is 81% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 75%
$65,604/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 37%
$266,700 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 144%
$1,149/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 75%
562,488
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $24,434/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Richmond — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Richmond?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Richmond?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $24,434/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Richmond details →