Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Mesa, AZ

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

7.6% Mesa, AZ is more expensive overall
18.2% 18.2% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% more
Albuquerque
88
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Albuquerque
92
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 10.4% more
Albuquerque
96
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index92997.6% more
Housing8810418.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,25019.0% more
Median Home Price$280,000$365,00030.4% more
Groceries9697~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92942.2% more
Utilities9610610.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax5.90% (top)2.50%
State Sales Tax5.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Mesa outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Mesa504,258

Moving from Albuquerque to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Mesa?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. 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 Mesa?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Arizona averages 0.51%.