Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Stockton

California
115

Albuquerque is 35% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,085/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 38%
$65,604/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 17%
$266,700 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 55%
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 35%
562,488
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $11,247/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Stockton — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Stockton?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Stockton?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $11,247/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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