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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Albuquerque is 52% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,085/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 56%
$65,604/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 28%
$266,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 82%
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 52%
562,488
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $18,149/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Sacramento?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Sacramento?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $18,149/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Sacramento details →