Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Albuquerque is 46% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 77%
$65,604/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 42%
$266,700 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 48%
$1,149/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 38%
562,488
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $832/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,984/year.

Median household income is $27,767/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Surprise — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Surprise?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $832/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Surprise?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $27,767/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Arizona?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Surprise details →