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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Albuquerque is 92% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,085/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 92%
$65,604/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 48%
$266,700 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 157%
$1,149/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 85%
562,488
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $999/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $11,988/year.

Median household income is $31,806/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $999/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $31,806/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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