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

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Santa Maria

California

137

Albuquerque is 57% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,085/mo ↓ 41%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 70%

$65,604/yr ↓ 22%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 29%

$266,700 ↓ 44%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 79%

$1,149/mo ↓ 36%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 56%

562,488

Population

109,880

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

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $757/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,084/year.

Median household income is $19,013/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $757/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $19,013/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.