Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Vallejo, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Albuquerque is 48% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,085/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 86%
$65,604/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 36%
$266,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 109%
$1,149/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 79%
562,488
Population
124,637

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $928/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $11,136/year.

Median household income is $23,892/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Vallejo?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $928/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Vallejo?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $23,892/year higher in Vallejo.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Vallejo details →

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