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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Albuquerque is 227% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,085/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 175%
$65,604/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 165%
$266,700 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 473%
$1,149/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 166%
562,488
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,900/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $22,800/year.

Median household income is $108,066/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,900/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $108,066/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Santa Clara details →