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

Albuquerque

New Mexico

San Bernardino

California

109

Albuquerque is 29% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,085/mo ↓ 24%

Median Rent

$1,433/mo ↑ 32%

$65,604/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$63,988/yr ↓ 2%

$266,700 ↓ 31%

Home Value

$384,900 ↑ 44%

$1,149/mo ↓ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,478/mo ↑ 29%

562,488

Population

221,774

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

26.9%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $1,616/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Albuquerque or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 109 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and San Bernardino?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $348/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or San Bernardino?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $1,616/year higher in Albuquerque.

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 San Bernardino?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.