Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Albuquerque is 27% cheaper than West Valley City.

$1,085/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↑ 33%
$65,604/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 35%
$266,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$377,300 ↑ 41%
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↑ 28%
562,488
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $23,000/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Albuquerque or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and West Valley City?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or West Valley City?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $23,000/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Utah?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and West Valley City

Albuquerque vs. Milwaukee Albuquerque vs. Fresno Albuquerque vs. Baltimore Albuquerque vs. Tucson Albuquerque vs. Louisville Albuquerque vs. Sacramento West Valley City vs. Columbia West Valley City vs. Hampton West Valley City vs. Warren West Valley City vs. Cedar Rapids West Valley City vs. Orange West Valley City vs. Dayton