Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Albuquerque is 46% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,085/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 52%
$65,604/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 33%
$266,700 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 71%
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 40%
562,488
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.85%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $21,375/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Sparks — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Sparks?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Sparks?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $21,375/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Nevada?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Sparks details →