Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Richmond, VA

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Richmond, VA

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

8.7% Richmond, VA is more expensive overall
18.2% 18.2% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% 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
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% more
Albuquerque
92
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index921008.7% more
Housing8810418.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,30023.8% more
Median Home Price$280,000$320,00014.3% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare921008.7% more
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Richmond, VA
State Income Tax5.90% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Richmond 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 Richmond to maintain your Albuquerque lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Richmond226,610

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Richmond 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 Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Richmond?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Richmond?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $62,000 in Richmond. 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 Richmond?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Virginia averages 0.74%.