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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Albuquerque is 4% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,085/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ≈ Same
$65,604/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 17%
$266,700 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 9%
$1,149/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 6%
562,488
Population
543,348

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
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,058/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Tucson — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Tucson?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Tucson?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $11,058/year higher in Albuquerque.
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 Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Tucson has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,079/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Tucson details →