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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Riverside

California
144

Albuquerque is 64% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,085/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 67%
$65,604/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 35%
$266,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 103%
$1,149/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 64%
562,488
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $22,971/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Riverside — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Riverside?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Riverside?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $22,971/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Riverside details →