Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Las Vegas is 39% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,456/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 25%
$70,723/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 7%
$395,300 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 33%
$1,452/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 21%
650,873
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $5,119/year higher in Las Vegas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $5,119/year higher in Las Vegas.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and New Mexico?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Albuquerque details →

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