Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Albuquerque is 11% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,085/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 15%
$65,604/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 11%
$266,700 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 5%
$1,149/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 21%
562,488
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $7,451/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Albuquerque or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and St. Paul?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or St. Paul?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $7,451/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Minnesota?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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