Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Albuquerque is 21% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,085/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 8%
$65,604/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 30%
$266,700 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 53%
$1,149/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 15%
562,488
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $19,759/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Syracuse?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Syracuse?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $19,759/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and New York?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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