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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Spring Valley

Nevada
119

Albuquerque is 39% cheaper than Spring Valley.

$1,085/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,642/mo ↑ 51%
$65,604/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$72,364/yr ↑ 10%
$266,700 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$407,900 ↑ 53%
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 35%
562,488
Population
219,913

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
27.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Spring Valley, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $6,760/year higher in Spring Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $407,900 in Spring Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Spring Valley — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Spring Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Spring Valley?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Spring Valley it's $1,642/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Spring Valley?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $72,364 in Spring Valley. Median household income is $6,760/year higher in Spring Valley.
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 Spring Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Spring Valley has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,642/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Spring Valley details →