Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Philadelphia is 6% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,323/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 18%
$60,698/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↑ 8%
$232,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$266,700 ↑ 15%
$1,233/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 7%
1,582,432
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $4,906/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $4,906/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Mexico?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Albuquerque details →

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