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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

San Francisco is 234% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$2,419/mo ↑ 123%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 55%
$141,446/yr ↑ 116%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 54%
$1,380,500 ↑ 418%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 81%
$2,620/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 56%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,334/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $16,008/year.

Median household income is $75,842/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is San Francisco or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Albuquerque?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $1,334/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $75,842/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Albuquerque details →

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