Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Albuquerque is 59% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,085/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 65%
$65,604/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 115%
$266,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 80%
$1,149/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 74%
562,488
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $75,749/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Albuquerque or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $75,749/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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