Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Wilmington

North Carolina

100

Albuquerque is 20% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,085/mo ↓ 17%

Median Rent

$1,311/mo ↑ 21%

$65,604/yr ↑ 3%

Median Income

$63,900/yr ↓ 3%

$266,700 ↓ 24%

Home Value

$350,300 ↑ 31%

$1,149/mo ↓ 16%

Owner Costs

$1,371/mo ↑ 19%

562,488

Population

118,578

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

4.5%

5.0%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $1,704/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Wilmington cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Wilmington?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $226/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Wilmington?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $1,704/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and North Carolina?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Wilmington?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.