Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Albuquerque is 4% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,085/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 9%
$65,604/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 21%
$266,700 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 30%
$1,149/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 11%
562,488
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.35%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $13,962/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Waterbury?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Waterbury?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $13,962/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Connecticut?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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