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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Houston is 10% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,313/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 17%
$62,894/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↑ 4%
$253,400 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$266,700 ↑ 5%
$1,316/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 13%
2,300,419
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $2,710/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Houston or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $2,710/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 Houston or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Albuquerque details →

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