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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

San Jose is 217% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$2,617/mo ↑ 141%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 59%
$141,565/yr ↑ 116%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 54%
$1,187,800 ↑ 345%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 78%
$2,775/mo ↑ 142%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 59%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,532/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $18,384/year.

Median household income is $75,961/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is San Jose or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Albuquerque?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $1,532/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $75,961/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Albuquerque details →

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