Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Albuquerque is 10% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,085/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 7%
$65,604/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 26%
$266,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 11%
$1,149/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 10%
562,488
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $17,068/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $17,068/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Alabama?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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