Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

San Diego is 146% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$2,223/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 51%
$104,321/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 37%
$848,500 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 69%
$2,308/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 50%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,138/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $13,656/year.

Median household income is $38,717/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is San Diego or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Albuquerque?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $1,138/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $38,717/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Albuquerque details →

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