Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Albuquerque and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,085/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 3%
$65,604/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 22%
$266,700 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 16%
$1,149/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 11%
562,488
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,265/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Springfield — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Springfield?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Springfield?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,265/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Massachusetts?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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