Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Pittsburgh, PA

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Pittsburgh, PA

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

4.3% Pittsburgh, PA is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Albuquerque
88
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation 8.3% more
Albuquerque
96
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% more
Albuquerque
92
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Albuquerque
96
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index92964.3% more
Housing8888~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,20014.3% more
Median Home Price$280,000$225,00019.6% less
Groceries961004.2% more
Transportation961048.3% more
Healthcare92986.5% more
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Pittsburgh, PA
State Income Tax5.90% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax5.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Pittsburgh (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Pittsburgh302,971

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Pittsburgh?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.