Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Cincinnati, OH

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Cincinnati, OH

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

0.0% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
9.1% 9.1% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.1% cheaper
Albuquerque
88
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Albuquerque
92
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index9292~Same
Housing88809.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,050~Same
Median Home Price$280,000$215,00023.2% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities96982.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax5.90% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Cincinnati roughly matches the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Cincinnati to maintain your Albuquerque lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Albuquerque to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Albuquerque and Cincinnati → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Cincinnati →

Compare Other Cities

Albuquerque vs Austin → Albuquerque vs Denver → Albuquerque vs Nashville → Cincinnati vs Raleigh → Cincinnati vs Portland → Cincinnati vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Cincinnati?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Albuquerque to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Albuquerque vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Ohio averages 1.41%.