Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Albuquerque is 13% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,085/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 21%
$65,604/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 34%
$266,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 8%
$1,149/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 16%
562,488
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $22,163/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Rochester — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Rochester?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Rochester?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $22,163/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Minnesota?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Rochester details →