Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Simi Valley, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Albuquerque is 120% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,085/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 132%
$65,604/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 79%
$266,700 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 183%
$1,149/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 124%
562,488
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,428/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $17,136/year.

Median household income is $52,099/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,428/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $52,099/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Simi Valley details →