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

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Santa Clarita

California

197

Albuquerque is 117% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,085/mo ↓ 56%

Median Rent

$2,486/mo ↑ 129%

$65,604/yr ↓ 45%

Median Income

$119,926/yr ↑ 83%

$266,700 ↓ 63%

Home Value

$721,000 ↑ 170%

$1,149/mo ↓ 57%

Owner Costs

$2,649/mo ↑ 131%

562,488

Population

229,021

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

24.9%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,401/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $16,812/year.

Median household income is $54,322/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 197 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Santa Clarita?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,401/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Santa Clarita?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $54,322/year higher in Santa Clarita.

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 Clarita?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.