Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80

Washington is 114% more expensive than Albuquerque.

$1,900/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,085/mo ↓ 43%
$106,287/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$65,604/yr ↓ 38%
$724,600 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$266,700 ↓ 63%
$2,103/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 45%
672,079
Population
562,488

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $815/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,780/year.

Median household income is $40,683/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Washington or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Albuquerque?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $815/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Albuquerque?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $40,683/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and New Mexico?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Albuquerque?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Albuquerque details →

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