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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Albuquerque is 83% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,085/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 82%
$65,604/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 35%
$266,700 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 147%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 71%
562,488
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $22,750/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $22,750/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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