Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Albuquerque is 35% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,085/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 50%
$65,604/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 19%
$266,700 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 65%
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 40%
562,488
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $12,552/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Vancouver?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Vancouver?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $12,552/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Washington?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Vancouver details →

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