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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Albuquerque is 42% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,085/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 58%
$65,604/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 48%
$266,700 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 44%
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 55%
562,488
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $31,583/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Round Rock 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 Round Rock?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Round Rock?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $31,583/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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