El Paso, TX vs Albuquerque, NM: 67 vs 80

$1,041/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$1,085/mo ↑ 4%

$58,734/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$65,604/yr ↑ 12%

$171,700 ↓ 36%

Home Value

$266,700 ↑ 55%

$1,044/mo ↓ 9%

Owner Costs

$1,149/mo ↑ 10%

678,147

Population

562,488

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,870/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is El Paso or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Albuquerque?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $44/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Albuquerque?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $6,870/year higher in Albuquerque.

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 El Paso or Albuquerque?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Albuquerque

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Affordability

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