Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Seattle is 145% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,998/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 46%
$121,984/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 46%
$912,100 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 71%
$2,220/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 48%
741,440
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $913/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $10,956/year.

Median household income is $56,380/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Seattle or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $913/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $56,380/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Mexico?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Albuquerque details →

More Comparisons

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