Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Worcester

Massachusetts

104

Albuquerque is 24% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,085/mo ↓ 23%

Median Rent

$1,415/mo ↑ 30%

$65,604/yr ↓ 3%

Median Income

$67,544/yr ↑ 3%

$266,700 ↓ 21%

Home Value

$339,500 ↑ 27%

$1,149/mo ↓ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,521/mo ↑ 32%

562,488

Population

205,501

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

9.0%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.25%

0.67%

Property Tax

1.15%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $1,940/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Worcester — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Worcester cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Worcester?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $330/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Worcester?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $1,940/year higher in Worcester.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Massachusetts?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Worcester?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.