Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Los Angeles is 134% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,879/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 42%
$80,366/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 18%
$879,500 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 70%
$2,055/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 44%
3,857,897
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $14,762/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $14,762/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and New Mexico?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Albuquerque details →

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