Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Albuquerque is 55% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,085/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 79%
$65,604/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 110%
$266,700 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 52%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 71%
562,488
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $854/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $10,248/year.

Median household income is $71,907/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $854/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $71,907/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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