Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Denver is 84% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,770/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 39%
$91,681/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 28%
$586,700 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 55%
$1,839/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $26,077/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Denver or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $26,077/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Mexico?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Albuquerque details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Albuquerque

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