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

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Ventura

California
183

Albuquerque is 56% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,085/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 94%
$65,604/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 53%
$266,700 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 192%
$1,149/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 84%
562,488
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,016/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $12,192/year.

Median household income is $34,803/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Ventura — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Ventura?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,016/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Ventura?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $34,803/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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