Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Albuquerque is 14% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,085/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 10%
$65,604/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 16%
$266,700 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 31%
$1,149/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 12%
562,488
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $10,325/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Albuquerque or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and St. Louis?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or St. Louis?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $10,325/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Missouri?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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