Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Albuquerque is 32% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,085/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 52%
$65,604/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 38%
$266,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 37%
$1,149/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 48%
562,488
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $25,081/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $25,081/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Virginia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Virginia Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Virginia Beach

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