Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Albuquerque is 33% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,085/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 44%
$65,604/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 9%
$266,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 41%
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 35%
562,488
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $5,698/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Tampa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Tampa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Tampa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $5,698/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Florida?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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