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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Boston is 120% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$2,093/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 48%
$94,755/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 31%
$710,400 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
663,972
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,008/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $12,096/year.

Median household income is $29,151/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Boston or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $1,008/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $29,151/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Mexico?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Albuquerque details →

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