Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Columbus is 4% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,224/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 11%
$65,327/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,604/yr ≈ Same
$234,500 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$266,700 ↑ 14%
$1,243/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 8%
906,480
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $277/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Columbus or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $277/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Mexico?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Albuquerque details →

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