Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Salt Lake City

Utah

117

Albuquerque is 37% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,085/mo ↓ 19%

Median Rent

$1,343/mo ↑ 24%

$65,604/yr ↓ 12%

Median Income

$74,925/yr ↑ 14%

$266,700 ↓ 46%

Home Value

$495,700 ↑ 86%

$1,149/mo ↓ 18%

Owner Costs

$1,394/mo ↑ 21%

562,488

Population

203,888

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.65%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.1%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.58%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $9,321/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 117 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Salt Lake City?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $258/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Salt Lake City?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $9,321/year higher in Salt Lake City.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Utah?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Salt Lake City?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.