Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Portland is 72% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,596/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 32%
$88,792/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 26%
$557,600 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 52%
$1,771/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
642,715
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $23,188/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Portland or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $23,188/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Mexico?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Albuquerque details →

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