Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Austin is 68% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,655/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 34%
$91,461/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 28%
$512,700 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 48%
$1,747/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
967,862
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $25,857/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Austin or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $25,857/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,085/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Albuquerque details →

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